At the October meeting of Carrathool Shire Council, general Manager Rick Warren presented the new councillors with an update on infrastructure matters.

Mossgiel Road

Physical earthworks are completed on the next 2-kilometre upgrade of Mossgiel Road. The sealing over the recently widened Umbrella Creek Bridge and new road works will be completed in early November.

The Springs Road

Works have commenced on the upgrade of the next 2-kilometre section of the Hillston end of The Springs Road. The works include the widening of 2 culverts and the installation of a new culvert. Sealing of this section is scheduled for early November. Works on the 2-kilometre section at Rankins Springs end of the road are scheduled to commence prior to November.

Hillston and Carrathool Boat Ramps

Hillston and Carrathool Boat Ramp design and the Review of Environmental Factors are complete. This will be lodged with Council to begin the approval process. This is anticipated to be finalised within a month.

IWCM Strategy

The monthly October progress meeting was held with the Public Works Advisory, including other stakeholders. Public Works completed a typical residential bill (TRB) analysis and is expected to present financial modelling for all Scenarios for council officers to review in October. The final scenario will be adopted for a draft of the IWCM strategy, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025. This project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of 31 December 2025.

Telemetry Replacement

Aquamonix expects to undertake a first site visit in November 2024 for some hardware installation work, followed by a second visit in March 2025 to test and commission the new telemetry system. This project is internally funded and is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2025.

Hillston Water Mains Construction

UGL issued a draft licence agreement for review and execution, this is currently with Council solicitors for review. Construction of the works are currently being planned with the under boring of the rail corridor likely to occur in February. This project is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Bunda Water Mains Replacement and Vegetation Clearing

The second phase of the remaining water mains replacement work commenced. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of June 2025.

Molesworth Street Water Mains Replacement

Proposed water mains replacement work commenced. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 4 and has a completion deadline of June 2025. Carrathool Pump Station Solar Panels Solar Mad is appointed to undertake the installation work. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of June 2025.

Switchboard Aircon Upgrades (Various Locations)

This work is now completed under the 2024-25 capital works program. Seven new switchboard air conditioning systems (Bunda, Yoolaroi, Rankins Springs Rural, Melbergen and Carrathool) have been installed to prevent pump tripping due to overheating, especially during the summer months.

Generator (Y2)- McIntyre Hill Pump Station

The generator and shed quotes have been received and approved, and the shed has been built. It is awaiting generator delivery, installation, and commissioning. Works may be completed prior to December 2024.

Palmyra Channel Doppler Meter and Gate

This work is completed. Council intends to measure flow at this location in line with the Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) flow meter and the Palmyra Pump Station to determine water losses in the earthen channel and Palmyra Swamp.

Material Storage Shed (Goolgowi Dam)

The quote was received and approved. Shed building work is underway and nearing completion.

Rankins Springs's additional potable storage tanks

Site clearing works have been completed. Tanks are delivered on-site, and pipes are manufactured in Griffith for the installation work, followed by connection to the existing reticulation system. This arrangement will help Rankins Springs Village secure a minimum water supply for a day in case of significant failure or compromise to the existing pump and treatment system.

Melbergen Water Mains Replacement

This work is completed. A total 1530 meters of new water mains were constructed and commissioned successfully on Redbank Road.

Hillston Sewer Mains

Relining Initial cleaning and inspection work completed, with further inspection and relining work to commence in the coming months.