Bourke Shire Council will receive an additional $811,000 to assist in the construction of an additional pipeline from a nearby underground bore to secure local drinking water needs.
In December 2018, more than $1.2 million in funding was provided to Council to sink an additional groundwater bore, as very low Darling River flows saw water supplies in Bourke’s weir dwindle.
The additional funding was announced by the NSW Minister for Water, Melinda Pavey, following a review of the town’s drinking water demand from the Bourke Shire Council which determined an additional pipeline from the bore field was needed.
“This funding ensures the Council can deliver a parallel pipeline that will help the local community as the drinking supply from the weir dries up,” Ms Pavey said.
“With Louth’s weir also running low, the funding will cover dredging works linking large water pools upstream of the town to the weir to extend the water availability well into the new year.
“The NSW Government will continue to support Council with solutions that improve Bourke Shire’s water security now and into the future.”
This year the NSW Government has increased emergency drought funding to $11.4 million so regional towns facing water shortages can manage depleted water supplies, implement emergency capital works and undertake water carting where necessary.
Over $2 million has been provided by the NSW Government for the Bourke Shire Council works.
