Regional Water Security Project

Armidale Regional Council is securing the region’s long-term water supply. The 2019 drought brought our community close to running out of water. This project is our response.

Stage 1

• Restoration of Oaky River Dam wall
• Constructing a 54 km pipeline to the Armidale Water Treatment Plant
• Extending a pipeline to Uralla to strengthen regional water security

Stage 2

• Raising Malpas Dam to increase long term storage
• Delivered once regional water demand growth confirms it is needed

The Proposal can be found on the Major Projects website.

Armidale Water Security Project | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment

Why Oaky before Malpas?

Oaky provides an immediate additional water supply, with a more reliable catchment. Completing Oaky River Dam first provides a second safe water source, while works are undertaken on Malpas.

In a dry year Armidale needs 4,480 ML/yr. Two catchments are needed.