Kempsey Shire Council will install solar generation and battery storage at three major water and wastewater facilities in a bid to cut electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The $693,200 project will deliver solar, battery storage and energy-efficiency upgrades at the Steuart McIntyre Dam treatment facility, South West Rocks Water Treatment Plant and South West Rocks Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Australian Government will provide $346,600 through round two of the Community Energy Upgrades Fund, with Council contributing the remaining $346,600.
The upgrades are expected to reduce peak electricity demand and operating costs while improving energy efficiency and security across the facilities.
Kempsey Mayor Kinne Ring said the investment would help make essential community infrastructure more efficient while reducing Council’s ongoing costs.
“Water and wastewater treatment facilities are significant energy users, so reducing the amount of electricity they need makes good financial and environmental sense,” Ring said.
“This is another practical part of our broader investment in modernising Kempsey’s water and sewer infrastructure and making sure these essential services are well placed to serve our community into the future.”
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the project was a practical example of future-proofing existing infrastructure while improving efficiency.
“Water and wastewater facilities are the building blocks of healthy town planning and require significant ongoing investment not only to maintain but also to allow for growth,” Mr Conaghan said.
“It’s great to see that Kempsey Shire Council is making sure that every dollar counts. With budgets tight and energy costs climbing every year, this joint investment represents ongoing value for money for both the ratepayer and the taxpayer. Win, win!”
New monitoring and control systems will also give Council greater oversight of energy use and help identify opportunities for further improvements.
The project forms part of Council’s broader $270 million investment in modernising water and sewer infrastructure across the Kempsey Shire.
Planning and design are underway, with construction, commissioning and performance testing expected to be completed by December 2027.
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