NSW Government invests $22M in drought proofing program

The New South Wales Government has announced that it will invest $22 million in the Parkes/Peak Hill Water Supply Project to “future proof” the region’s water supply, with the project including new and upgraded pump stations and treatment plants.

New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Paul Toole, said the $61.7 million infrastructure project will strengthen water security for the region and bolster its drought resilience by creating a new raw water supply network for residents and businesses.

“I am thrilled the New South Wales Nationals in Government are providing the last piece of the funding puzzle, putting in the $22 million needed to enable this critical water supply project to go ahead,” Mr Toole said.

The project will deliver:

• 39km of new pipelines to link new and existing infrastructure
• Two new pump stations
• An upgraded Lachlan River pump station
• Two new pre-treatment plants at Eugowra Road and Akuna Road
• A new raw water dam at Parkes water treatment plant

New South Wales Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, said the pipelines will link new and existing infrastructure to support the water needs of residents and businesses.

“While there is currently an abundance of water, we cannot become complacent because dry times are always just around the corner,” Mr Anderson said.

“Parkes was only months away from draining all its water sources before drought breaking rains fell in early 2020.

“This is why we need to invest in long-term water infrastructure now, so Parkes has a more reliable water supply when the next drought strikes.

“This project is one of the largest and most significant investments in water infrastructure in regional New South Wales.

“It will help overhaul the town’s water supply by more than doubling the transfer capacity from the Lachlan River to Parkes.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Ken Keith, welcomed the State Government’s support and said the new infrastructure will be crucial for the region’s continued development.

“Water is the lifeblood of all regional communities, so ensuring we have secure access to safe drinking water is what will drive our future prosperity,” Mr Keith said.

“Parkes has already been identified as a Special Activation Precinct, so we need this project to deliver the necessary water infrastructure that will support our population and economic growth.

“The New South Wales Government’s contribution is a huge win for the community because it is the final stage of funding that we needed to green light this project and help secure our water future.”

The project is being funded in partnership with the New South Wales Government, the Federal Government and Parkes Shire Council.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2022.

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