Construction on the new Nyngan and Hermidale pump stations has begun, bringing much-needed water security for Cobar.
One of the only NSW towns without its own water source, Cobar relies on water being transferred through a 130km pipeline. This $49 million project will refurbish ageing infrastructure, with the two new pump stations to be installed with the latest remote monitoring technology to boost operator safety and mitigate downtime.
SRG Global Utilities is leading the project, which is being carried out in partnership with the Cobar Water Board, Cobar Shire Council and Bogan Shire Council to ensure the infrastructure is fit for purpose.
The pump stations are being funded by the Federal Government through the National Water Grid Fund, alongside the NSW Government, with completion set for mid-2027.
“For years the Cobar community have had to worry about their water security due to not having their own water source,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said. “An end is finally in sight to help ease these concerns, as shovels officially hit the ground.
“It’s vital these pump stations are replaced now to prevent a potential catastrophic failure in the supply system.”
It comes after the NSW Government chose to pause plans to replace Cobar’s oldest water supply pipeline due to cost escalations in February, with budget estimates rising above $300 million.
The two existing pipelines were built in 1964 and 1983, respectively, and have the capacity to continue supplying water for another decade, with the Cobar Water Board to closely monitor the assets for leakage.
At the time, the NSW Government said it remained committed to ensuring Cobar’s long-term water security, leading to the announcement of funding for the new Nyngan and Hermidale pump stations.
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