Barraba to Split Rock Dam Water Pipeline Feasibility Study

Barraba, New South Wales

Total funding: The feasibility study was completed in May 2011 with a total project cost of $386,276. The Australian Government, New South Wales Government, and Tamworth Regional Council each provided one third funding for the project. The study was managed by Tamworth Regional Council.

About the project

The project was a study into the feasibility of building a water supply pipeline from Split Rock Dam to the town of Barraba to provide a long-term water supply solution. Preliminary cost estimates were developed for the preferred option, which identified a total project cost in the order of $19.6M for the following components:

A raw water pumping station connecting to the existing Split Rock Dam outlet, including associated electrical supply/equipment, asset communication and pre-chlorination.
27km of pipeline laid in Oakhampton Road and Fossickers Way, discharging to Barraba Water Treatment Plant (the Barraba plant).
Various minor upgrades to the Barraba plant in order to receive the raw water from Split Rock Dam.
A raw water storage tank at the Barraba plant to balance inflows and provide treatment contact time.
Pre-construction studies, management and contingencies.

An assessment of future planning requirements was also undertaken in order to identify the necessary development required for construction.

Project benefits

This study is an important step towards identifying a preferred long-term water supply solution to meet the current and future needs of the Barraba community.