Bourke backed with new bore and pipeline

Bourke has significantly improved its resilience to future droughts thanks to the completion of a $2 million bore and pipeline project, which the New South Wales Government fully funded to diversify the town’s water supply.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, said that during a drought, Bourke is classified as one of the highest-risk communities in terms of potential loss of water supply.

“Having new bores at Stoney Rise and Belvedere as an alternate water supply is a huge relief if the weir pool dries up.

“We know another drought will come, and it is reassuring to see the New South Wales Government invest in and plan for water infrastructure projects in some of our most vulnerable communities.”

New bores at Stoney Rise and Belvedere, including pipeline construction and pump installation, complete the final stage of the project. Each bore has been fitted with high-tech telemetry, which enables Bourke Shire Council to manage and monitor the new infrastructure remotely.

The project has been delivered thanks to the State Government’s Critical Drought Initiative Fund to help transform water security for Bourke, ensuring it is better prepared for the next drought.

New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water Executive Director of Development, Lisa Hingerty, said it has never been more critical to focus on drought-proofing in remote towns to ensure residents can continue to have safe and secure water supply.

“Connecting this much-needed infrastructure to the system is the final piece of the puzzle that will enable Council to control the pumps remotely and safely, which means less pressure on their resources and staff.

“This project has been our priority, and I am thrilled to see the work completed. We will continue to monitor the water in the area so that the community can be prepared for future drought events.”

The new infrastructure will provide a lifeline for the community by providing another water source for locals to pump from when there is insufficient water in the Bourke Weir Pool during severe droughts.

The completion of the bore and pipeline project follows the 2023 completion of a new 1ML water reservoir in Charles Street, Bourke. This reservoir replaced the former aged structure, which was no longer fit for purpose.

In addition to these projects, the State Government has committed $357,857 for detailed strategic planning to enable the council to continue its behind-the-scenes work for a safer and more secure water future.

Bourke Shire Mayor, Barry Hollman, said, “Council and the Bourke community are most appreciative of the assistance provided by the New South Wales Government in funding the completion of this important project, which has undoubtedly put Bourke in a stronger position with its drought preparedness. The government has gone the extra mile to assist our community..

“The completion of the bore and pipeline project is great news for the community, and it will undoubtedly benefit Bourke by delivering an emergency water supply in times of drought, such that our township is not solely reliant on the river as its water source.

“Ensuring a reliable, good-quality water supply for the community is a priority for Council. These new bores, pumps, and pipelines will help futureproof our historic town because we know dry times will come again at some point.”

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