NSW’s regional water infrastructure is set for a big boost in the upcoming State budget.
The Water Security for Regions program will be funded to the tune of $300 million in 2014-15 – a significant increase on the $40m which was allocated by Deputy Premier and trade minister Andrew Stoner when he announced the program in February.
The new funding will be used to build a new dam on the Belubula River at Needles Gap near Carcoar, in the Central West.
It would be the first new dam built by the government since Split Rock, near Tamworth, in 1987.
Mr Stoner said the “once in a generation” investment wouldbenefit water security and supply.
Potential for the Needles Gap dam was first identified in 2012 by the Office of Water.
Initial proposals indicated the dam would store 90,000 megalitres and be linked to the nearby Lake Rowlands and Carcoar dams, which have 4,500mL and 36,000mL capacity, respectively.
However, a scoping study is yet to take place, and the final approval and design of the dam are unresolved.
“We will not only better prepare regional communities for drought, we will also increase agricultural productivity and boost regional populations,” said Mr Stoner.
He said the government “understands that water security is a major concern facing regional communities”
“That is why we have worked hard to secure a once-in-a-generation investment in regional water infrastructure in this year’s budget.”
The initial $40m allocated for the program included $2.5m to connect Walken Bore to North Bourke and Bourke town supply systems; $5.3m for the Nimmatabel Lake Wallace project, and $10m for pipeline and water storage works to secure Cobar’s water supply.
Water Security for Regions is funded by the Restart NSW fund, which is dedicated to infrastructure construction.
Recent sales of public assets, including Ports Botany and Newcastle, has swelled its coffers.