Works are progressing on the upgrades for a secure water supply to improve water pressure in the townships of Wyalong and West Wyalong.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this significant water infrastructure project costing almost $14 million dollars is crucial to the future growth and prosperity of the region.
“Water is our most valuable resource, so it is important that we provide water security to our growing communities and ensure we are supporting local businesses and industries who keep our economy strong,” Ms Cooke said.
“As we see continual growth in our seat of small communities it is important that we provide the infrastructure to accommodate this growth not only for now but also for the future,
“Works are progressing well since the first sod turn was made back in October 2022 and I look forward to reaching various milestones along the project as we move forward towards its completion.”
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the West Wyalong Water Reliability project was exactly the type of infrastructure investment he envisioned when establishing the National Water Grid in 2019 as Deputy Prime Minister.
“This significant water infrastructure project is creating jobs and ensuring Bland Shire continues to be the fantastic place it is to live, work and raise a family,” Mr McCormack said.
“I established the National Water Grid in 2019 when I was Deputy Prime Minister to achieve water security outcomes for communities – whether they were large or small – and am so pleased to see West Wyalong benefiting from this investment, of which the former Coalition Federal Government contributed $4.5 million.”
Goldenfields Water General Manager Aaron Drenovski said it’s great to see the project progressing well, as it’s been a long time in the making.
“Well before construction commences, our staff members conducted several studies
and surveys were undertaken to ensure we understood the communities’ concerns and could provide them with a suitable and effective resolution,
“We knew that there were concerns for the town’s water pressure, so we made sure that was the priority of the project as well as allowing for future growth of the town.” Mr Drenovski said.
The bypass pipeline is ahead of schedule with approx. 2.6km of the of the total 8km pipeline completed and is looking to be completed in May 2023.
The reticulation pipeline is underway and on schedule with approx. 1.4km of the total 7km completed, with the pipeline likely to be completed in July.
The reservoir foundations have all been completed and the walls are starting to be constructed, with the reservoir due for completion in August 2023.
The pump station will commence after the reservoir has been completed and is due to be finished by September 2023.
Once complete the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project will improve water flow and water pressure in West Wyalong through the installation of new infrastructure including a reservoir tank, 8km of main water supply pipeline, a 7km water distribution main, and a transfer pump station.
The base of the reservoir alone has 37 tonnes of steel reinforcement and when completed, it will have a volume of 2.8 ML, which is equivalent to 1.12 Olympic size swimming pools.
The West Wyalong Water Reliability Project is a joint initiative with the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund Connections Pathway contributing $4.5 million, the New South Wale Government’s Resources for Regions Fund investing $2.65 million, Bland Shire Council providing $800,000 and Goldenfields Water committing $5.25 million.
For further information on the National Water Grid Fund Connections Pathway visit: National Water Grid Connections Funding Pathway | National Water Grid Authority
For further information on the Resources for Regions Fund visit: Resources for Regions | NSW Government
