Media Release
08 September 2021
Essential Energy and Clarence Valley Council have today announced reaching agreement for the transfer of ownership of the disused Nymboida Hydro Power Scheme and associated water licences. Both parties, as well as the Coffs Harbour City Council, having been working collaboratively to secure the sale.
Executive Manager Engineering for Essential Energy, Luke Jenner, said of the sale: “We’re really pleased to have reached this positive outcome with Clarence Valley Council. It’s a positive outcome for all involved.”
“We have been working together with both Clarence Valley Council and Coffs Harbour City Council throughout this period and would like to thank both Councils for their collaborative approach.”
Clarence Valley Council General Manager Ashley Lindsay said the purchase of the major infrastructure asset secured the future water supply for the Clarence Valley.
“Having been built by the Clarence River County Council in the 1920s, this facility is coming back to us with the completion of this sale,” Mr Lindsay said.
“It also means we can explore options to use the assets in ways that better help our community and support our overall water supply strategy.”
Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC) General Manager Steve McGrath said CHCC sees this achievement as an essential step in concluding security for the Coffs Harbour City and CVC water supplies.
“CHCC look forward to working with Clarence Valley Council to formalise the governance arrangements around the Regional Water Supply Scheme through the appropriate treatment and recognition of the applicable water supply assets involved in the Nymboida Power Station and licences,” he said.
The sales process was conducted between Essential Energy, Clarence Valley Council and Coffs Harbour City Council, with external consultants engaged to provide independent valuations and inform a mutually reasonable price.
Media contact: Melanie Pope, PR and Community Manager
t: 0418 160 031
e: melanie.pope@essentialenergy.com.au
