Hunter Water has placed a proposed $150 million infrastructure investment on public exhibition, targeting the replacement of a 12-kilometre section of the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main between Brookfield Tunnel and Burmi Creek near Clarence Town. The asset carries approximately 40 per cent of the Lower Hunter’s drinking water and has operated continuously since its initial construction in 1923.
The capital works program will expand pipeline capacity by increasing the internal pipe diameter from 900 millimetres to 1050 millimetres. Concept designs and the associated Review of Environmental Factors are on public exhibition until 4 October 2026, with construction scheduled to commence in 2029 subject to environmental and regulatory approvals.
To minimise ecological disruption, the selected pipeline alignment diverts around Columbey National Park, avoiding native vegetation clearing and threatened species habitats. The replacement infrastructure will predominantly be installed underground within an existing powerline easement to reduce impact on neighbouring landholders.
Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery at Hunter Water, Justin Watts stated that the renewal project ensures network reliability for regional population growth.
“The Chichester Trunk Gravity Main is one of the most important assets in our network, supplying around 40 per cent 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,” Justin 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 900mm to 1050mm, 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.”
IMAGE | Hunter Water proposes $150 million Chichester main renewal to secure Lower Hunter water supply
