Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall handed over the cheque from the state government for $12.375 million to Armidale Regional Council at Malpas Dam on Tuesday.

Organisational services leader Lindsay Woodland said the council was incredibly grateful for the state member’s efforts in securing the funding.

“Adam Marshall has done a terrific job for us,” Mr Woodland said. 

“This is a game changer for the region because it will provide water security for the people of Guyra which is long overdue. 

“It also underpins economic development in the region, particularly with horticulture and protected cropping. 

“We are yet select the winning tender but we are very close. Then we will be getting on with the full design, and we expect construction will be complete in 12 to 18 months.”

​The 15-kilometre pipeline will provide a more reliable water supply to Guyra residents and assist in the expansion of horticultural industry in the district.

Read more: What’s in the budget for the Northern Tablelands?

Guyra uses an average 423 megalitres of water each year, with demand steadily increasing, which far exceeds the town’s current storage capacity of 277 megalitres.

The pipeline will expand that capacity to more than 740 megalitres, exceeding anticipated growth over the next 30 years.

Costa Group operation manager Bryony Hackett said the pipeline would ensure prosperity in the future for the community.

“This will benefit the whole Guyra community including many of our employees who live in the local area,” she said.

Read more: Northern Tablelands MP pushing state government funding for a pipeline from Malpas Dam to Guyra

“It certainly gives Costa confidence in our ongoing business in Guyra, and gives Armidale Regional Council a level of certainty with respect of any future investment we may consider.”

Council will now finalise designs and tender contracts, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2019.