Shovels are expected to be in the ground for the construction of three priority regional dam projects in NSW by October this year.
Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government was pushing on with the planning an delivery of the projects in these challenging times.
"Local communities across NSW, now more than ever, need projects that will stimulate their economies and provide jobs in the near future to aid in the recovery following the drought and now COVID-19," Mrs Pavey said.
The raising of the Wyangala Dam wall in the Lachlan Valley, building a new Dungowan Dam and undertaking a business case for a dam in the Mole River were announced last year in a $1.1 billion package.
"This week we have appointed the key engineering and environmental advisors for each project at Wyangala, Dungowan and Mole River," Mrs Pavey said.
The projects have all commenced preliminary environmental investigations and concept designs, with geotechnical investigations to begin in April. Environmental planning documents for all projects have been lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
"We are focused on delivering these critical projects to significantly improve future drought resilience and improve water security. We expect shovels in the ground by October on these nation building projects," Mrs Pavey said.
WaterNSW will move ahead with community engagement, implementing new tools and approaches to keep the community updated and informed through local media, newsletters and online.
WaterNSW has engaged the following firms for each project; Dungowan Dam: SMEC, Wyangala Dam wall raising: Stantec GHD Joint Venture and Mole River Dam: SMEC.
