A stronger water future for West Wyalong
Low water pressure is a thing of the past for people in West Wyalong, thanks to a $13.7 million joint investment between the Australian, NSW and local governments to overhaul the water supply infrastructure.
It includes replacing ageing pipelines that have serviced the town for nearly nine decades with a new 8-kilometre water main, and a 6-kilometre water reticulation main.
A new transfer pump station and 2.8 megalitre reservoir will also complement the revamped reticulation system to improve water flow and pressure by up to 40 per cent, pumping around 80 litres of water per second.
The completion of the West Wyalong Reliability project is crucial to the future growth and prosperity of the region and provides a more efficient water network that will serve the community for many generations.
The project is a joint initiative with the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Connections pathway contributing $5 million, the New South Wales Government’s Resources for Regions Fund investing $2.65 million, Bland Shire Council providing $800,000 and Goldenfields Water contributing $5.25 million.
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Deb O’Neill
“We know that poor water supply in regional communities can negatively impact health and wellbeing.
“That’s why we’re investing in regional water infrastructure projects to help address this important issue and improve the liveability of towns like West Wyalong.
“This is now more important than ever as we face a rapidly changing climate that is impacting our water resources.
“The completion of this project proves what we can achieve when all levels of government work collaboratively together – delivering for the people and businesses of regional NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Acting NSW Water Minister Steve Whan:
“This upgrade will make a huge difference in the lives of people living in West Wyalong.
“The improved water flow will support simple daily activities such as showering, filling up the kettle, washing clothes and watering the garden.
“This new infrastructure will help unlock West Wyalong’s full potential - assisting the community and local industry to grow and thrive well into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Goldenfields Water Chairperson Matthew Stadtmiller:
“The community identified poor water pressure as its number one concern with some areas in town like the West Wyalong Hospital feeling it the most.
The problem was only made worse during peak demand periods like summer and major events, which is why this project was a priority and it’s great to see it finished ahead of the warmer months.
“The old pipelines were almost 9 decades old and due to leaks and the elevation of certain parts of town, there just wasn’t enough water being pumped through to meet demand.
“It's been great to work hand-in-hand with the Australian and NSW Governments and Bland Shire Council to bring this much needed upgrade to our 4,500 customers.”
Quotes attributable to Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan:
“The new water mains, water tank and pump station are a game changer for this town. “This project means we have almost doubled the water pressure capacity which will be welcomed by residents and businesses who have had to endure unreliable water flows for many years.
“We can now move forward and grow as a town with confidence, knowing we have infrastructure which will support whatever demands are placed on it for decades to come.”
