Saturday, November 9, 2024

Work flows on $61.7m Parkes water security project

Work has begun on one of the largest water infrastructure projects in NSW, with the $61.7 million Parkes-Peak Hill Water Supply Project designed to put the region in a stronger position to manage water.

The project will deliver a suite of water infrastructure upgrades to safeguard supply and boost drought resilience, funded in partnership between the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Parkes Shire Council.

“This project will help the region grow and thrive. We want to welcome more tourists and residents into Parkes Shire and this project is a key part of our long-term vision,” said Mayor, Ken Keith.

“We need to ensure a reliable supply of top-quality water for our residents and local businesses which will underpin our population and economic growth.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2025, with major construction on the pipeline expected to get underway later this year.

“The Australian Government is proud to have committed $11 million to ensure this much-needed water infrastructure project becomes a reality, bolstering drinking water security for the Parkes and Peak Hill communities,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“Our Government has an unwavering commitment to continuing to invest in Australia’s regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”

NSW Water Minister, Rose Jackson said it was a priority of the NSW Government to ensure regional communities have access to safe and secure water. The $22 million investment is instrumental in getting this key project started, she said.

“This is one of the largest investments in water infrastructure in the Central West region this century and it’s great to see that work is underway to deliver a stronger and more resilient water network for Parkes and Peak Hill,” said Minister Jackson.

“We’re putting in 39 kilometres of new pipelines, two new pump stations, an upgraded Lachlan River pump station, a new pre-treatment plant at Eugowra Road and a new raw water storage lagoon at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant.

“We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to shore-up water security for the community, especially during dry periods. The project will more than double Parkes’ current transfer capacity from the Lachlan River and bore fields, which is major win for the community as it will secure better access to safe, clean drinking water.”

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