Long-term water security project proposed for Hunter region

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 will replace a 12 km section of the CTGM between Brookfield Tunnel and Burmi Creek, near Clarence Town. The project is now on public exhibition, with community members invited to review the plans and provide feedback.

Hunter Water’s 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% 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,” Watts said.

“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 900 mm to 1050 mm, 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.”

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.

Construction is expected to commence in 2029 — subject to approvals and consideration of feedback — and be completed over several years.

For more on the proposed project, visit the Hunter Water website.

Image caption: The Chichester Trunk Gravity Main (CTGM). Image: Supplied