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The NSW Government is joining forces with Port Macquarie Hastings Council to fund a $5.5 million upgrade to the Wauchope Water Treatment Plant which will boost water security for more than 70,000 people across the region.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the investment will triple the plant’s daily capacity from seven to 21 megalitres per day.

“This project is great news for the community with upgrades now underway, following the work of Port Macquarie Hastings Council to install an additional membranes system to filter the water,” Mr Anderson said.

“It will also add a new chlorine dosing facility to further boost the plant’s ability to treat water during storms and heavy rainfall which often stir up river sediment which impacts the quality and colour of the water.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey welcomed the announcement which will provide increased water security for Wauchope for generations to come.

“Water is our most precious asset and a basic human right which is why we are continuing to invest in water infrastructure projects that will provide certainty for the people of Oxley,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The improvements to this water treatment plant will allow more water to be extracted from the river during periods of high flows helping to safeguard the region’s future water security.”

Port Hastings Council Mayor, Peta Pinson said the benefits of this project extend beyond Wauchope.

“Currently the majority of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council area is reliant on unfiltered water supplies,” Cr Pinson said.

“Increasing the capacity of the Wauchope Water Treatment Plant will support more than 70,000 people in Port Macquarie and Wauchope, delivering top quality treated H2O to residents and businesses at times of poor water quality events.”