The massive project of renewing Cootamundra’s aging water main system is progressing on schedule. To date 16.0 km of new water main pipes are in the ground with 14.8 km in service. 560 properties have been connected and about 425 of these properties required a complete new service.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), Project engineer Mr Bill Moore said the expected completion date is February 2020.
“We will see approximately 21.7 kilometres of new water mains installed which will be connected to 780 properties, at the end of the project next year,” Mr Moore said.
The overall cost of the project which includes the second phase will be $6 million, $2 million was sourced from the Stronger Communities Fund, an initiative of the NSW Government and administered by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and is part of Councils SCF major projects program.
“Once completed there will only be about 1.2km of reticulation cast iron main still in use plus about 1.9km of bulk supply main from Goldenfields line at the Aerodrome to the reservoir up the hill from Sheahan Street,” Mr Moore added.
Killard Infrastructure the contractor engaged to undertake the project have received many complimentary comments from local residents. The company has 16 employees permanently based in Cootamundra, with others coming from time to time to assist with the work load.
Killard Infrastructure Superintendent Mr Liam Kerr said his employees were making Cootamundra their home and were getting involved in local sporting and social events.
The company is ensuring they are using local businesses and services where possible.
“We have more than 16 vehicles in town at any one time, which include trucks and earthmoving equipment, we buy all our fuel in town. Our staff are staying in local motels and hotels when accommodation is needed and we try and source gear locally,” Mr Kerr said.
