The NSW Government is investigating ways to ensure Bermagui’s water security for decades to come, thanks to a $3 million investment from the state and the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund.
The co-funding will launch a preliminary business case examining the best infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to address water reliability issues for the town of nearly 3,000, whose supply system has the highest unaddressed risk on the South Coast, particularly during drought.
Bermagui draws its town water from the Brogo dam, which fell to historically low levels in January 2020 as the region suffered the worst dry period on record. Likewise, river levels were so low that the pumps delivering drinking water to the town couldn’t operate properly.
It meant dam regulators had to make emergency operational adjustments so Bermagui didn’t run out of water.
“It’s important we act now to future-proof town water supplies for communities right across regional NSW, giving them the best tools possible to prepare for and weather another drought,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said. “We want a safe, secure, resilient, and enduring drinking supply for Bermagui, which we know is incredibly vulnerable to extreme conditions.
The preliminary business case will examine several options for securing and drought-proofing the town’s water supply in an increasingly variable climate.
“Shoring up water for residents and businesses will boost the economy and promote regional development and growth, supporting the thriving tourism industry and local businesses on the South Coast,” Hingerty said. “We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to increasing water security, which is why we are running the ruler over a range of options, including new infrastructure, to best meet the town’s water needs for this generation and the next.”
It will investigate:
- Whether changing the reserve set aside in Brogo Dam could improve Bermagui town water supply during extreme conditions
- The feasibility of constructing a weir at the supply offtake site with enough water depth during low-flow periods for pumps to continue to operate
- Various weir pool volumes and whether a redesign or relocation of the supply offtake would improve water security for the town
These options were also shortlisted in the South Coast Regional Water Strategy, launched in 2022. This strategy proposes wide-ranging solutions to boost the region’s water security and drought resilience for the next two decades and beyond.
The preliminary business case will deliver a raft of early planning and development work, including detailed technical, engineering, economic, environmental, and cultural heritage studies. These studies will inform final recommendations before any options are considered.
NSW DCCEEW expects this work to be completed by December 2026. It will also consult closely with the community to keep them informed and updated as the work progresses.
For more information, visit the project website at Bermagui Water Security Preliminary Business Case.
Related Articles:
- $160 million to boost jobs and economy for NSW Basin residents
- Licensing information sessions to help NSW farmers
- Investing millions to accelerate water saving in New South Wales