Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed a $6.1 million to go towards building a new 17.5km pipeline to deliver water from Yass to Murrumbateman.

As confirmed in the Federal Budget, Mr Taylor said Yass Valley Council had been successful in an application for funding under the first round of the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.

“I am delighted to be able to announce this significant infrastructure grant from the new National Stronger Regions Fund. This is a huge win for the Murrumbateman community,” Mr Taylor said.

He said the grant would build a 250mm thick pipeline, to deliver a minimum capacity of 2.5 ML/day to improve water security and water quality for Murrumbateman village.

Mayor Rowena Abbey said the funding was great news for a community that had battled severe water restrictions.

“I thank Angus Taylor for his support on this very important project. During the drought years between 2000 and 2010, Council was forced to impose severe restrictions both in Yass and in Murrumbateman.

“The raising of the Yass Dam in 2013, which tripled the dam’s capacity, has alleviated water security issues for Yass, however Murrumbateman is still under continued water restrictions and the current bore water supply is also classified as poor quality,” she said.

“The growth opportunities in Murrumbateman are well recognised and this project will certainly help unleash that potential.”

General Manager David Rowe said the $6.1 million grant funding is fantastic news for Yass Valley and will finally allow Murrumbateman to be provided with a reliable water supply.  The grant is 50 per cent of what the project will eventually cost, and has to be used by 2019.

“The full details of the grant requirements have yet to be received, however now with the knowledge of this grant funding, Council will proceed into detail design phase of the project.  Council’s portion of the project will be funded by a combination of loan funds, developer contributions and user pays charges,” Mr Rowe told the Tribune.

Director of Engineering Gary Chapman added that council is already preparing concept plans and undertaking detailed designs.

Mr Taylor congratulated Council on laying the foundations for strong future investment in Murrumbateman.

“One of the biggest issues for the village over recent years has been water security. This $6.1 million announcement will fund half of the $12.2 million pipeline project, with council providing the balance. It is setting up Murrumbateman for many years to come.”