Water security delivered for Bland Shire
Published on 13 December 2021
A new $9 million water infrastructure project will reinforce water security in the Bland Shire to support industry, agriculture, and water supply.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the funding would deliver a new water tower, eight-kilometre water supply trunk main, seven-kilometre distribution water main and new transfer pump station.
“Water infrastructure is vitally important for every community and this $9 million project, which the Commonwealth has contributed $4.5 million, will ensure West Wyalong’s water supply for many years,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is precisely the type of infrastructure for which the National Water Grid was established in 2019 when I was the Deputy Prime Minister – to deliver water security for communities large and small.
“Construction is expected to be complete by May 2023 and I look forward to seeing the benefits for the local community, including improving the water pressure at the West Wyalong Hospital.”
State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the West Wyalong Water Reliability project will upgrade the existing distribution network to support future expansion in West Wyalong and the Bland Shire.
“The current water network has reached capacity, so these upgrades are crucial to support economic growth and development in the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Lake Cowal Gold Mine has plans to expand and employ an additional 176 workers and this project will ensure the region has the infrastructure needed to support this growth.
“It will also boost local farmers and ensure a more secure water supply for West Wyalong.”
Bland Shire General Manager Ray Smith PSM said the upgrade would help to attract future development.
“This project will ensure water security for West Wyalong for several decades to come,” Mr Smith said.
“It will provide further incentive for future development, both residential and commercial and will help to increase water pressure for parts of West Wyalong.
“It is a great partnership between State, Federal and Local Governments.”
The West Wyalong Water Reliability project is being delivered by Goldenfields Water.
Goldenfields Water County Council (GWCC) General Manager Aaron Drenovski said the project had long been on the agenda.
“This project has been a long time in the making – we listened to concerns raised by the community who highlighted to us the importance of improving the town’s water pressure and allowing for future growth of the town,” Mr Drenovski said.
“After the GWCC Board committed to a feasibility study and detailed designs we were able to apply for and be successful in obtaining Federal funding of $4.5 million.
“We are also very grateful to Bland Shire Council for applying for a grant through Resources for Regions and to the State Government for approving this funding of $2,652,317.”
Pictured above (l-r): State Member for Cootamundra Stephanie Cooke MP, Goldenfields Water General Manager Aaron Drenovski, Bland Shire General Manager Ray Smith, Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan, and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP.