A water pipeline building project will receive about twenty million dollars in funding from an agreement between Tamworth Regional Council, the NSW Government and the federal government.
The Barraba Pipeline leading from the Split Rock Dam along road reserves and private land is projected to cost $19.66 million.
Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean said the Barraba pipeline will receive $6.55 million from the federal government.
The NSW Government also provided $6.75 million from the 2011 NSW Budget.
Tamworth Regional Council has set aside its share of funding in the 2011-14 Management Plan for the pipeline project.
Council director of Water Enterprises Bruce Logan said the funding agreement must be signed before any work can begin.
“While we are waiting for that, council can start looking at a method of delivery for the project; for example, the project could be delivered by tendering out the detailed design of the pipeline based on the concept in the feasibility study,” Mr Logan said.
The detailed feasibility study will be used as the starting point for the design stage, including a survey of the road reserve along the route and further geotechnical analysis.
Hunter Water Australia did the preliminary feasability study and options assessment, followed by a detailed feasability study based on the preferred pipeline route along Oakhampton Road and Fossickers Way, which were submitted to the council in May.
According to Mr Logan, a tender for the construction will be advertised once the pipeline design is complete.
Mr Logan said preparing one tender for bother the design and construction of the pipeline is “another option”.
“There are pros and cons with each option which council and the funding partners will have to will have to weigh up,” he said.
"At this stage, it is estimated that it will be two years from the date of signing the various funding agreements before construction of the pipeline will be complete."
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