Funding confirmed for better water security in Lightning Ridge, NSW
Greater water security has been confirmed for the regional town of Lightning Ridge, NSW.
Lightning Ridge is home to almost 2000 residents, with 25% of the population identifying as First Nations people.
The town’s water supply is normally sourced from 2 bores.
However, since 2023, the town has been reduced to a single operational bore due to age, extensive weather damage and corrosion.
The project will deliver:
- a 5.1 km groundwater pipeline between a bore and reservoir
- an upgrade of the pumps and pipes at one bore site
- a replacement pump motor and electrical components, including remote control and monitoring equipment, at a second bore site.
Once complete, the town will be able to rely on 2 bores once again.
The new infrastructure will provide safer, more secure water. It will also reduce unscheduled maintenance costs associated with the old infrastructure.
The $2.6 million project is jointly funded between the Australian and New South Wales governments. Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The project is part of the Australian Government’s $150 million commitment to support water infrastructure in First Nations communities in regional and remote Australia.