Better water access for regional NSW

13 December 2024

The Australian Government has announced funding to deliver 3 critical water projects in regional New South Wales.

Jointly funded with the New South Wales Government and totalling $41.1 million, the projects will support liveability and health benefits for communities.

Better quality water for Yass

In Yass, both governments will contribute $18.1 million each towards:

  • refurbishment of existing infrastructure
  • construction of new water treatment assets.

These works will improve the quality of drinking water for Yass residents. This has been a decades-long issue. A survey conducted by Yass Valley Council in 2024 reports 85% of residents do not drink tap water and seek water from other sources.

Find out more about the Yass water treatment plant upgrade.

Investigations for the next stage of Bathurst water harvesting

In Bathurst, $1.4 million in joint funding will go towards the development of a detailed business case. The business case will consider the gap between the existing available water supply and the supply required for the current population.

Having experienced its worst drought on record between 2017, and 2019, the business case will progress design and approvals for the project to improve Bathurst’s access to water.

Find out more about Bathurst Water Harvesting Stage 2 project.

Additional funding Cobar water infrastructure

In Cobar, an additional $3.5 million in Australian Government funding will go towards further works for the Nyngan to Cobar construction project.

The funding will go towards the replacement of 2 pump stations at Nyngan and Hermidale. The new infrastructure will enable the transfer of water from Nyngan to Cobar and:

  • provide vital water security for the region
  • reduce the risk of Cobar and surrounding communities from having no access to a secure water supply.

Find out more about Nyngan to Cobar Pipeline Stage 1.

The Australian Government continues to work with states and territories to deliver better water for regional and remote Australia. Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.

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