First Nations water security
Location
Lightning Ridge, Yuwaalayaay Country
NSW
Estimated cost
$2.6 million
Project status
in planning
Funding
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($1,300,000) and the New South Wales Government ($1,300,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The project will deliver a range of benefits to the local community and visitors, who come to experience the Lightning Ridge bore baths (pictured).
Project overview
The Lightning Ridge project will improve water access and reliability. The community’s water challenges include old infrastructure, degraded pipelines and climate risks.
The project involves:
- upgrading more than 5 km of pipeline
- repairing the main bore to full functionality
- upgrading both bores to meet industry standards.
Benefits of the project will include:
- a supply back-up option for community confidence
- better climate resilience in the region
- water for community facilities, public services and wellbeing
- support the growth of the local tourism, agriculture and opal mining industries.
This project supports the Australian Government’s commitment to Close the Gap on water security in First Nations communities.
Key project benefits
Climate change resilience
First Nations access
Local community
Water security