The NSW Government has committed an additional 2 million dollars to support 18 regional councils as they work to maintain reliable and high-quality drinking water for their communities. The latest funding expands the Advanced Operational Support initiative, which provides hands-on technical training and plant optimisation to help local water utilities improve day-to-day operations and extend the life of essential assets. The expanded investment brings the program’s total funding to more than $10 million, including $4.1 million in direct grants.
- Want more information on what Inside Water is up to? Sign up for our weekly email, landing in inboxes with the latest news.
- Do you want the magazine delivered to your letterbox? Sign up here to subscribe.
How the AOS program strengthens NSW town water reliability
The Advanced Operational Support program provides local councils with tailored engineering guidance and on-site technical support to help optimise their water treatment plants. Under the latest phase, councils will receive skills, tools and operational advice to improve process performance and reduce the costs associated with ageing assets. Grants of up to $150,000 will also support equipment upgrades at treatment plants, including new monitoring systems for around-the-clock oversight, filtration and treatment improvements and automated systems that enhance response times during potential water quality issues.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said hands-on support is crucial for delivering a dependable drinking water supply in regional areas.
“We know regional towns need a leg up to get the most out of their water treatment plants and lock in a clean, dependable water supply,” Jackson said.
She said the program complements ongoing infrastructure investment.
“Infrastructure is one piece of the puzzle, but on the ground operational support is also extremely valuable. This program empowers operators with the skills and knowledge they need to problem solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities.”
Where NSW town water support is being delivered
Councils receiving support span a broad geographic area, reflecting the varied challenges experienced across NSW town water systems. Successful councils include Snowy Valleys, Brewarrina, Lachlan, Snowy Monaro, Warrumbungle, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Moree Plains, Liverpool Plains, Tenterfield, Central Darling, Uralla, Richmond Valley, Bellingen, Balranald, Forbes, Muswellbrook, Wentworth and Dubbo.
Plants benefiting from upgrades or operational support range from small inland systems to treatment facilities supplying fast-growing regional communities. Several councils will use the funding to modernise older plants or improve water quality monitoring and process control.
The AOS initiative forms part of the $52.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which helps regional councils improve water quality, dam safety and operator training. The program is designed to address longstanding operational challenges that can limit treatment performance or increase maintenance costs.
By combining funding, training and technical expertise, the initiative supports councils as they adapt to changing water quality, ageing infrastructure and evolving regulatory expectations.
Building long-term capability for NSW town water management
The NSW Government said strengthening operational capability is essential for long-term water security in regional communities. Many councils rely on small teams to manage complex treatment systems, and additional training can help reduce risks, improve plant performance, and enhance the consistency of drinking water outcomes. The program also reduces the burden of reactive maintenance by equipping operators with the skills to identify issues early and implement cost-effective solutions.
The Government encouraged councils to continue accessing support available through the Town Water Risk Reduction Program to protect public health and maintain local confidence in NSW town water supplies.