Bulga and Milbrodale Water Supply Scheme

The Bulga-Milbrodale Water Supply Project will provide safe and reliable water connection to 180 properties across the communities of Bulga and Milbrodale, including Milbrodale Public School.

This project will also support the local economy, particularly the regionally significant vineyards and wine tourism businesses in the Broke - Fordwich Wine Region, which have a combined estimated output of $14 million per year. The project scope includes provision of reticulated water mains in Bulga served by a transfer water main connecting to the existing water supply network at Broke.

The transfer water mains are to be located along Milbrodale Road, then onto Putty Road to Broke. The proposed transfer main has the potential to serve a number of commercial properties within Milbrodale which is a significant tourism hub for Singleton. The project also includes a water carter filling station that may be accessed by commercial operators to provide water to properties outside the water supply area.

Project overview

The project will provide direct access to water connection for approximately 180 properties between Bulga and Milbrodale, including 20 commercial and tourism properties in Milbrodale. The project scope includes provision of reticulated water mains within Bulga served by a transfer water main connecting to the existing water supply network at Broke. The transfer water mains are to be located along Milbrodale Road, then onto Putty Road to Broke. The proposed transfer main has the potential to serve several commercial properties within Milbrodale, which is a significant tourism hub for Singleton.

The project will also include provision of a water carter filling station which may be accessed by commercial operators to supply water to properties outside the water supply area.

Benefits

The Bulga-Milbrodale Water Supply Project will deliver better health outcomes for the community by reducing reliance on rainwater and ensuring water security for residents, especially during drought periods. In addition to residents and businesses, an important component of the project is the provision of potable water supply to Milbrodale Public School, which serves students from Bulga, Milbrodale and Howe Valley.

The project also seeks to deliver economic benefits, particularly through the support of the Broke-Fordwich Wine Region for hoteliers and vignerons. Access to reliable potable water is estimated to provide an economic benefit to these businesses in the order of $800,000 per year, representing a 6% increase in economic output, as well as increase property values by approximately 10%. Further, the project will support the NSW Rural Fire Service in accessing reliable water supply for firefighting in the Bulga and Putty regions.

The Bulga Water Supply Project is a key project in Council's Infrastructure Agenda.