The New South Wales Government will invest $22 million toward realising the Parkes/Peak Hill Water Supply Project promising to future proof the regions’ water supply.
The total investment represents a third of the $61.7 million project cost, enabling it to deliver five major water projects, including:
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
The remainder of the project’s funding was sourced from the Federal Government and Parkes Shire Council, with construction expected to begin in late 2022.
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 NSW.
“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 OAM, welcomed the New South Wales 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,” Mayor 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 NSW 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.”
