Pipeline location to be determined

Gosford Council has authorised its General Manager Mr Peter Wilson to determine the location of a pipeline in the area of Woy Woy South Public School.

Council is currently preparing to construct pipelines for the purpose of conveying groundwater to a treatment plant at council's Woy Woy Depot.

One of the water lines was designed to go through the grounds of Woy Woy South Public School.

Council had stated it would be necessary for it to acquire an easement for the pipeline.

Staff were considering two proposals to deliver the raw water to the filtration plant.

One proposal was to lay a pipeline through the school site while the other was to lay a pipeline within the road reserve adjacent to the school.

The location that crossed the school was considered by officers to be the better option because the pipeline would be a shorter length and would avoid public utilities, drainage structures, traffic control and the need to restore the road pavement.

Officers also stated that the construction costs would be less than the cost to lay the pipeline within the road reserve.

Council had asked the Department of Education to grant a licence to install the pipeline, with negotiations with the department currently in the early stages.

Council officers stated that it was not known whether the department would grant the easement by transfer, or require council to compulsorily acquire the easement with its consent.

Council would have to pay market value for the easement.

Following costing of both alternatives, including acquisition costs, a decision would then be made as to the location of the pipeline.

A land valuer would be appointed to advise on market value.

Council agenda COR.13, 23 Jan 2007