The new Nimbin Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) will replace the temporary facility installed following the 2022 floods, which restored water services after significant changes to raw water quality caused by landslips and catchment damage. While the temporary plant has played an important role in maintaining water supply to the village, it was always intended as an interim solution.
The permanent plant is being designed specifically for Nimbin's unique source water conditions and will include significantly upgraded filtration and treatment technology capable of better managing periods of high turbidity during severe weather events.
Once complete, the new facility will provide a safer, more reliable, and more resilient drinking water supply for the Nimbin community into the future. It will also improve operational efficiency, support long-term regulatory compliance, and strengthen the resilience of the village's water infrastructure.
The final regulatory approvals are on track for submission to Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) by the end of August 2026, the construction of the treatment plant planned to commence in October 2026, and site works scheduled to commence in early 2027. Project timelines may change due to weather, site conditions, supply constraints or other unforeseen circumstances.
A contract for the design and construction of the new Nimbin Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) has been awarded to Protex Water, with site design works awarded to engineering consultants Ganden.
The project is progressing through the investigation and scoping phase.