On Sunday morning the Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, committed $10 million from the Growing Local Economies Fund towards the Coastal Communities Sewer Infrastructure Project.

Replacing existing onsite sewage management systems with connections to the council's sewerage network, the project will upgrade 180 residences in Mylestom, 26 properties in Repton, 25 riverside lots in Raleigh and 25 lots in the Raleigh industrial estate.

Another potential beneficiary of the scheme will be local dairy cooperative Norco, which will get an alternative solution for its wastewater discharge.

Transfer mains will be installed from the villages and Norco to connect to the Urunga sewerage network, and a minor upgrade to the Yellow Rock Sewage Pumping Station and the Pilot St SPS upgrade currently in design mode will cater for the increased load from the region.

“Today marks a very important and significant project for the Bellingen Shire’s coastal communities,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The NSW government has committed to funding the construction of sewer systems for the Mylestom, Raleigh and Repton communities, including both industrial and residential properties.

“The grant will also substantially upgrade the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant, delivering reclaimed water for council’s Urunga South growth area..

“This is essential in future-proofing the area, which is expected to grow from 5000 to 10,000 in population.”

Mrs Pavey said this investment would also enhance water quality in the Bellinger River system and benefit  local aquaculture, noting how the oyster industry suffered when the Kalang River closed for eight years following a norovirus outbreak.

Mylestom resident Trevor Williams said people there welcomed the news.

"The community and especially the environment will benefit," he said. "Everyone I've spoken to is positive, especially long-term residents.

"Raleigh industrial allotments will be more usable and it will help the Norco milk factory and future employment."

The Coastal Communities Sewer Infrastructure Project will create 110 jobs during construction and unlock 75 new industrial lots, while connecting and securing 35 existing industrial businesses and 307 existing residential lots. 

The NSW government's commitment of $10 million will be delivered over the next three years.