$150 million investment to deliver 100 years of water security for the Lower Hunter
Hunter Water is proposing to invest more than $150 million to strengthen long-term water security for the Lower Hunter through the replacement of a critical section of the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main (CTGM). The proposed project is now on public exhibition, with community members invited to review the plans and provide feedback.
The project will replace a 12-kilometre section of the CTGM between Brookfield Tunnel and Burmi Creek, near Clarence Town. Since being constructed in 1923, this critical asset has reliably supplied drinking water to the Lower Hunter for more than 100 years and is now proposed to be renewed to strengthen water security, improve network resilience and support the region's growing needs well into the future.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Justin Watts, said the investment would help secure the region's water future.
"The Chichester Trunk Gravity Main is one of the most important assets in our network, supplying around 40 per cent of the Lower Hunter’s drinking water. The project is about planning for the long-term reliability and resilience of that supply for future generations.
“We recognise that infrastructure projects of this scale can raise questions for landowners and local communities, which is why we're seeking feedback on the proposed plans and encouraging people to have their say during the exhibition period.
"The proposed replacement pipeline will be larger, with an increase in diameter from 900mm to 1050mm, improving network capacity and helping support long-term water security across the region.
"In developing the proposal, we've undertaken extensive investigations and selected a preferred route that aims to reduce impacts on environmentally sensitive areas while balancing engineering, environmental and community considerations.
"The feedback we receive through this process will help inform our planning and decision-making as we continue to refine the project and its delivery,” Mr Watts said.
Extensive investigations have informed the proposed route, with Hunter Water selecting an alignment that diverts around Columbey National Park to reduce impact on native vegetation, threatened species habitat and environmentally sensitive areas. Much of the replacement pipeline in this area would be installed underground within an existing powerline easement, helping minimise impacts on surrounding landowners and the environment.
The project forms part of Hunter Water's ongoing investment in critical infrastructure to support a safe, reliable and resilient water supply into the future.
The concept design plans and Review of Environmental Factors will be on public exhibition until 4 October 2026. Hunter Water encourages community members, landowners and stakeholders to review the documents and provide feedback. Community feedback will be considered alongside environmental, technical and operational factors as planning for the project progresses.
Subject to approvals and consideration of feedback received during the exhibition period, construction is expected to commence in 2029 and be completed over several years.
