Bungendore water supply pipeline

• Project value$2.08M (investigations) $78M approximately for construction

Work Completed

A preferred route for the proposed pipeline was primarily determined in a feasibility study in 2023. Since then, design and technical specifications have been developed to bring the project closer to 'tender-ready' stage. We have also completed a detailed field land survey, geotechnical investigation, biodiversity studies, and European and Aboriginal Heritage studies. We have prepared a comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors, which is currently being assessed.

There are six critical criteria that must be achieved before Council can consider whether to proceed with the project or not. The first of these is the design and technical work mentioned above. The other five criteria are explained below.

What's next

• Continuing negotiations for the necessary intergovernmental approvals to extract water from the Queanbeyan Water Supply Agreement. This is the agreement between Australian, NSW and ACT Governments.
• We are continuing to seek opportunities for grant funding for the construction phase. We have applied for funding under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund. There are two stages of approval, the first being through the NSW Government. We have passed the first stage of assessment, and are now going to submit the application to the Australian Government. 
• Beginning negotiations with land owners around the temporary and permanent easements and land for proposed reservoir at Brooks Bank and re-chlorination facility at Millpost Lane.
• The Review of Environmental Factors has been drafted and needs to be assessed and determined.
• Water (and Sewer) Pricing - the Palerang Communities Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan is being reviewed. As part of this process, detailed long-term plans will be developed that take into consideration the cost of maintaining, improving and using water infrastructure and how it will be funded.
   

Background

Council is investigating a pipeline between east Queanbeyan and Bungendore as the long-term solution to the future water supply for Bungendore. Without a sustainable water supply solution Council will need to press pause on any more development.

A feasibility study was presented to the Council meeting held on 12 April 2023 which considered the viability, approvals pathway and the economics of the proposal. Council resolved to proceed with the next stage of investigation.

The proposed route would see a new water pumping station at the site of a former reservoir in east Queanbeyan and a set of 375mm and 300mm diameter water mains would then run through a series of Council-owned land, road reserves, community title land, private property, Crown land, watercourses, State Road, rail corridor, and Commonwealth land.

The estimated capital cost is in the range of $78m. If it was to be constructed, it is expected that it would be paid for by external grants and developer contributions received for water supply. With a large upfront investment required, we expect that a loan would be required, that would be paid off by developer contributions.

The project is also reliant on securing the required intergovernmental approvals to extract water from its Queanbeyan Water Supply Agreement. This is an agreement between the Australian, NSW and ACT Governments that allows us to access bulk potable water from the ACT..

The map below shows the proposed route between Queanbeyan and Bungendore.