The project is being funded by the Australian Government ($3.85 million) and the NSW Government and other partners ($3.85 million). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
An aerial view of the Carcoar Dam on the Belubula River. Credit: New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Project overview
The detailed business case will assess a water security scheme for the Belubula Valley region.
If built, the project would provide greater water security for communities in the Belubula Valley and Orange regions. It would improve the availability and quality of water. It would also benefit agricultural and primary industries.
The detailed business case will investigate 4 infrastructure options, including:
- raising Lake Rowlands Dam and increasing storage capacity
- a new pipeline between Lake Rowlands Dam and Carcoar Dam
- an additional dam close by to Lake Rowlands
- connecting Belubula and Macquarie valleys through an interregional pipeline.
The benefits of a water security scheme would include:
- achieving the primary water security objectives in the Lachlan Valley
- improving access to water for the region
- providing a greater level of water security.
The business case is expected to be complete in early to mid-2026.
Key project benefits
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