Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, said he was looking forward to the construction of the two water treatment plants, as part of these projects, worth a total of $6.525 million.

“The construction of these plants as well as associated infrastructure will ensure that the towns of Camberwell and Bulga have access to safe and secure drinking water,” Mr Johnsen said.

“The NSW Government is proud to have provided a total of $2.725 million in funding for these two Water Supply Scheme projects under the Restart NSW Safe and Secure Water Supply program.”

The preliminary work to establish and prepare for the drilling of bore water is underway in Camberwell, while drilling and water quality testing has commenced at the treatment plant site on Putty Road in Bulga.

The development of water supplies for both Bulga and Camberwell has been ongoing since 1996, with the previous scheme being rejected due to the inclusion of an unnecessary and unwanted sewerage service.

After a number community discussions and Council meetings, the communities were able to negotiate the terms of the project and in 2016 the Singleton Shire Council received funding under the NSW Government’s Water Supply program.  

Singleton Council’s Manager Water and Waste, Angelika Hesse said she was happy to commence work to establish the potable water supply to the villages, ensuring residents would have reliable access to fresh drinking water by the middle of 2018.

“Currently, residents of Bulga and Camberwell rely solely on water from rainwater tanks, which leaves them vulnerable to supply issues in periods of drought,” she said.

“Secure potable water is essential for community health, particularly near the Bulga and Camberwell townships due to the high levels of dust pollution from mining activities.”

Following information sessions in Bulga, Camberwell residents will have the opportunity to discuss the project later this month.​