THE NSW Cap and Pipe scheme is flowing freely again, following today's $15.9 million commitment from NSW Water Minister Kevin Humphries to match federal funding.
Last week the federal government kick-started the scheme after four months in limbo and this week NSW government came to the party, delivering over $30m for a fourth round of capping and piping work across the State.
“The Cap and Pipe the Bores Scheme is essential for drought-proofing Artesian Basin communities across NSW, and this move will ensure that further water savings of around 13 billion litres a year are achieved,” Mr Humphries said.
Federal Senator and Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Simon Birmingham re-started the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) after the scheme had wallowed for months, when funding ran dry in June.
GABSI is the funding vehicle for the cap and pipe the bores scheme, which has been in place since 1999 and will now undertake its fourth phase in NSW.
“Since its inception, GABSI has seen the repair of 650 uncontrolled artesian bores, delivering savings in excess of 200 billion litres of water annually,” Mr Humphries said.
Following a four-month campaign in The Land, both arms of government are now back behind the popular scheme.
Landholders paid 50 per cent of the costs for capping and piping on their property and the state and federal government split the remainder.
“This program is one of the most important water saving initiatives that has been implemented in this country and has delivered enormous economic, agricultural and environmental benefits to Basin communities across the State,” Mr Humphries said.