Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has welcomed $6 million in funding “to improve water security for Tamworth by identifying practical solutions”.

Mr Anderson said the funding, announced in the NSW Budget, will go toward a business case for Tamworth’s proposed industrial water recycling plant.

“We need to be innovative in our approach to water security for Tamworth, and always looking for ways to be more efficient in the use of our most precious resource,” Mr Anderson said.

“That’s why I have long supported the development of an industrial water recycling plant for Tamworth, helping take our abattoirs off the main supply, and saving water for longer in Chaffey Dam.

“I’ve been meeting with the Minister for Water Rose Jackson over several months ahead of this year’s NSW Budget, impressing on her the need to fund a final business case for the project.

“Industrial water recycling is a complex proposal that hasn’t been done before in NSW, and as a result, significant work needs to get underway to ensure the project meets regulatory approvals and community expectation.

“I welcome the NSW Government’s injection of $6 million into water security for Tamworth, because we know that another big dry is never far away and we have to drive innovation and be more efficient about the way use and conserve water.

“Once this is complete, the government, along with council, will be better positioned to attract further funding from all levels of government for what will likely be a $100 million project.

“I thank the Minister for her commitment to Tamworth and look forward to seeing work progress on the business case for this important project.”