Safeguarding Water Security in Clarence Valley

In the heart of the Clarence Valley, the Nymboida River has long been a lifeline, supplying potable water to thousands of residents. Yet in recent years, this vital river has come under mounting pressure from extreme weather events, including bushfires and floods. These disruptions threatened water quality and raised broader concerns about environmental resilience, public health and infrastructure reliability.

To address this challenge, Clarence Valley Council initiated a critical upgrade of the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project was declared State Significant Infrastructure under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, which triggered the need for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Key considerations included biodiversity (Koala habitat), heritage sites, bushfire risk and residential amenities.

Recognizing the complexity of the task, Clarence Valley Council partnered with Onterris to guide the project from concept through to approval. Onterris brought deep technical insight and a people-first approach, ensuring environmental stewardship and community well-being remained at the core of every decision.

Onterris supported the project through the entire lifecycle of the EIS process, from the development of the Scoping Report through to the EIS and Submissions Report, while managing Requests for Information (RFIs) and liaising directly with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). The integrated team at Onterris provided in-house expertise across environmental planning, biodiversity, contaminated land, hydrology, hydrogeology, GIS mapping, and social impact assessment.

The impact assessment work from Onterris was crucial in shaping a more environmentally responsible design. Through detailed technical studies, our team identified opportunities to minimize disturbance to key koala habitats, helping preserve vital ecological corridors. This proactive approach not only protected local biodiversity but also demonstrated that thoughtful planning can lead to better environmental outcomes.

A standout feature of the project was its inclusive engagement strategy. Onterris facilitated meaningful dialogue with regulators, residents, and stakeholders throughout the assessment process. This helped shape design refinements, clarify potential impacts, and develop safeguards that addressed community concerns, particularly those related to biodiversity and bushfire risk.

By fostering a collaborative and transparent relationship, Onterris helped the Clarence Valley Council undertake a comprehensive environmental assessment, paving the way for a smoother approval process and stronger community confidence.

“This project really demonstrated the value of transparent and consistent collaboration. By working closely with Council, regulators, and the community, we were able to address concerns early and develop an approach that prioritized both environmental protection and community confidence in their water supply.” - Onterris Associate Environmental Scientist Chris Griffiths

Onterris led a series of community engagement initiatives to support the EIS process for the project. Two dedicated in-person engagement sessions were held at the local Council Chambers, providing a platform for residents and community groups to speak directly with the technical experts at Onterris and the Clarence Valley Council’s project managers. These sessions allowed an open dialogue, allowing stakeholders and residents to ask questions, raise concerns, and gain a deeper understanding of the project’s scope and environmental considerations.

Additionally, Onterris assisted with contributing to the Clarence Conversations website, which served as a central hub for project updates, allowing the broader community to stay informed and engaged throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Undertaking a successful EIS campaign enabled Clarence Valley Council to gain approval to proceed with the project.

Upgrading the Rushforth Road WTP will strengthen water security, enhance community trust, and ensure compliance with state-level environmental legislation. By evaluating potential disruptions during both the construction and operational phases of the Rushforth Road WTP, Onterris provided strategic guidance on mitigation measures to reduce environmental and social impacts. One of the most significant outcomes was future-proofing the region’s potable water supply, a critical resource for community resilience and growth.