The Project involves the operation of the Council owned Effluent Reuse Farm for a 5 year period with a possible extension for a further 5 year term.

The Effluent Reuse Farm comprises 600 Ha irrigated by 13 centre pivots. The Farm also has two hay sheds, a 1500ML Effluent Storage and a pump station with five pumps capable of pumping 45ML/day. Council recently agreed to invest in a further two centre pivots for the farm in the 2021/2022 financial year which will increase the total irrigated area to 685 Ha.
Council will supply a minimum of 3,000 ML per annum to the Effluent Storage on the Farm. Additional effluent of approximately 500 ML per annum is also expected to be available for use by the successful contractor.

The effluent is unsuitable for use for production of products for direct human consumption or for use with pigs but meets regulatory requirements for use in the production of fodder and grain.

The effluent quality is substantially different to river water. The median water quality is as follows - TDS 656 mg/L, Na 149 mg/L, Cl 162 mg/L, SAR 5.0, pH 8.8.

Tenderers must supply a conforming tender offer based substantially on one of the nominated cropping plans provided in the tender documents. These cropping plans have been developed to deliver specific environmental and sustainability outcomes for the Farm. Tenderers may also offer different cropping plans as alternative tenders, provided they meet Council's effluent utilisation and long term sustainability goals.

Council is seeking to work with a Contractor who has a genuine commitment to working in partnership with Council to maintain and improve its Farm asset to ensure that it is retained as a long term sustainable farming operation that is able to beneficially utilise the effluent from the city of Tamworth. Council is also enthusiastic about the potential involvement of industry and research bodies in Farm operations.

A MANDATORY Pre-Tender Meeting will be held on Wednesday 7th October 2020 from 10.30 am. Contractors who do not have a representative attend this meeting will be prohibited from submitting a tender.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Rob Pearson at r.pearson@tamworth.nsw.gov.au or 0417 698 515.
The lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted and the canvassing of any Councillor will automatically disqualify the Tenderer.