A massive $19 million has been allocated for a project to secure water for residents of the Lake Cargelligo district.
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Federal Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong and NSW Minister for Water Phil Costa made the trip to Lake Cargelligo to announce the NSW and Federal Governments will jointly fund a pipeline to secure town water supplies for the 1400 residents of Lake Cargelligo and the nearby villages of Murrin Bridge, Tullibigeal and Kikiora.
This announcement has also provided a major economic boost to the Lachlan Shire region.
In December last year the NSW Premier visited the region to look at the impact of the drought first hand and announced funding for a feasibility study into building the pipeline.
Three months later the project is a reality.
The Lake Cargelligo project involves construction of a pipeline from Merri-abba Station (29 kms from Lake Cargelligo toward Hillston) and up to three 70 metre deep bores to provide water.
One bore has already been constructed at Merri-abba Station and another two bores will be constructed in the area after drilling has confirmed the best location to source water.
Construction will start immediately and will take 12 to 18 months.
Senator Wong said the project was a great example of the NSW and Federal Governments working together in partnership to benefit residents of country NSW.
Phil Newham, Director of Technical Services at the Lachlan Shire Council believes the project will be a huge boost for Lake Cargelligo.
“We are tickled pink with the announcement.
“The project is very significant and will provide an enormous boost for the town and Lachlan Shire.
“With improved water security many existing businesses will be looking to expand and there will be increased interest in bringing new businesses to town,” said Mr Newham.
Mr Newham also stated that it was pleasing to see the Lachlan Shire involved in the project.
“This project sees the three levels of Government involved, with 50 per cent funding each from both the NSW and Federal Government and the Lachlan Shire Council managing the
project.
“This will create a large economic and employment boost for the Lake Cargelligo district.
“Its good news all round,” said Mr Newham.
There are several other water security projects underway in the region.
The NSW Government has provided $262,500 in emergency drought funding to assist with the cost of construction and equipping an additional groundwater bore at Hillston.
Minister Costa said the funding would be provided to Carrathool Shire Council to assist in constructing the bore that has a total cost of $525,000.
Hillston’s water supply is sourced from groundwater bores along the Lachlan River and the new bore will be completed as soon as possible to help secure the town’s water supply.
The Lake Cargelligo project is part of 12 successful projects receiving funding from the Federal Government under the first round of the Water Savings Initiative component of the $200 million Strengthening Basin Communities program.
Email a friend