One of the largest water infrastructure projects in western NSW, which is expected to significantly enhance water reliability for Cobar, is set to break ground soon.
The $49 million project will deliver two new state-of-the-art pump stations at Nyngan and Hermidale, addressing critical risks of failure and ensuring water can continue to be safely transferred to Cobar.
Cobar is one of the few towns in NSW that doesn’t have its own water source, relying on water to be transferred via the Albert Priest Channel and then pumped from Nyngan via 130 kilometres of pipeline.
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson joined Member for Barwon Roy Butler and Bogan Shire Council to tour the Nyngan site.
“These pump stations are part of our commitment to deliver better water security and infrastructure for Cobar,” Jackson said. “We’re working closely with the local community, including Mr Butler, Cobar Shire Council, Bogan Shire Council and the Cobar Water Board as we get on with the job of building these essential pump stations at Hermidale and Nyngan.
The work is a critical fix to replace the ageing pump stations built in the last century, which can no longer reliably meet network demands. Operators have been forced to engage temporary bypass measures at Hermidale to ensure water continues to flow to Cobar.
The new pump stations will incorporate the latest technology, enabling remote monitoring and significantly improving safety for operators.
Contractor Diona is expected to start preparation work in the coming weeks. Once shovels hit the ground, construction will progress rapidly, with both pump stations scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
“Shovels will be in the ground soon to deliver on this landmark project and bolster Cobar’s pumping infrastructure,” Jackson said.
The NSW Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Cobar Water Board to ensure the infrastructure is fit for purpose and can meet Cobar’s needs now and into the future.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through its National Water Grid Fund and the NSW Government.
