Investing in safer water for Blackville and Premer

Two villages on the Liverpool Plains are one step closer to locking in safer and more secure drinking water thanks to co-funding from the NSW Government and the local council to help boost water quality.

Blackville and Premer will each receive $14,650 to investigate the best options for upgrading treatment infrastructure and minimising water supply challenges.

Residents rely on groundwater, with their access sourced from single, ageing bores in both locations. The investment will allow Liverpool Plains Shire Council to launch detailed studies evaluating the best potential upgrades ahead of any concept designs or early planning works, which will require additional funding.

The project is aimed at helping to safeguard drinking water for more than 250 people who call Blackville and Premer home.

It’s the latest funding from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program which supports more than $1 billion worth of water security and quality projects across the state, with over 260 projects in various stages of delivery.

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said:

“Every person in NSW deserves first-class drinking water, whether they live in Sydney, regional cities or in our rural towns and villages, and Blackville and Premer residents are no exception.

“Both of the town bores are nearing 60 years old, and it’s clear that upgrades are urgently needed to pull the infrastructure into the 21st century.

“We want to progress solutions that will safeguard Blackville and Premer’s drinking water for at least the next 30 years, and this funding is the first critical step in helping these towns work out how to do that.”

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services Nathan Skelly said:  

“This is another fantastic example of Council working hand-in-glove with the NSW Government to help future-proof drinking water for people in our LGA.

“The funding will help us launch crucial investigations into how we can best upgrade our water infrastructure to support the people of Blackville and Premer.

“Ensuring residents have continued access to safe and high-quality drinking water is incredibly important work which we can now shift into high gear.”