newy.com.au – Plans to replace a 12-kilometre stretch of a century-old Lower Hunter water pipeline at a cost of more than $150 million have gone on public exhibition, with residents and landowners able to comment until 4 October.

Hunter Water’s proposal covers the section of the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main between Brookfield Tunnel and Burmi Creek, near Clarence Town. The main was constructed in 1923 and supplies about 40 per cent of the Lower Hunter’s drinking water, according to the utility.

The replacement pipe would be larger, increasing in diameter from 900 millimetres to 1050 millimetres. Hunter Water says the change would improve network capacity and help maintain a reliable supply as the region’s needs grow.

The preferred route would divert around Columbey National Park, with much of the replacement pipeline in that area installed underground within an existing powerline easement. Hunter Water says it selected the route to reduce impacts on native vegetation, threatened species habitat and surrounding landowners while meeting engineering requirements.

Hunter Water executive manager infrastructure delivery Justin Watts acknowledged that the scale of the work could raise concerns among those affected.

“We recognise that infrastructure projects of this scale can raise questions for landowners and local communities, which is why we’re seeking feedback on the proposed plans and encouraging people to have their say during the exhibition period.”

The concept design plans and Review of Environmental Factors are available for public review until 4 October 2026. The exhibition gives residents an opportunity to examine the proposed route and environmental assessment before planning progresses.

Hunter Water says community feedback will be considered alongside environmental, technical and operational factors as it refines the project. Further information about the proposal and consultation is available on its website.

Construction is expected to begin in 2029 and take several years to complete, subject to approvals and consideration of submissions. The project remains a proposal, with the current consultation informing its final planning and delivery.

Provide your feedback here: https://www.hunterwater.com.au/about/community/projects-in-your-area/ctgm-replacement-brookfield-tunnel-to-burmi-creek