New Bourke Bore and Pipeline Project complete
Bourke has significantly improved its resilience to future droughts thanks to the completion of a $2 million bore and pipeline project which has been fully funded by the NSW Government to diversify the town's water supply.
New bores at Stoney Rise and Belvedere, including the construction of the pipeline and the installation of pumps, which are now connected to the power grid, completes the final stage of the project. Each of the bores have been fitted with high-tech telemetry which enables Bourke Shire Council to manage and monitor the new infrastructure remotely.
The project has been delivered thanks to the NSW Government’s Critical Drought Initiative Fund to help transform water security for Bourke, ensuring it is better prepared for the next drought.
The new infrastructure will provide a lifeline for the community by providing another source of water for locals to turn to when there is insufficient water in the Bourke Weir Pool to pump from during severe droughts.
The completion of the Bore and Pipeline Project comes following the completion last year of a new 1ML water reservoir in Charles Street, Bourke which replaced the former aged structure which was no longer fit for purpose.
In addition to these projects, the NSW Government has committed $357,857 for detailed strategic planning to enable Council to continue its behind the scenes work for a safer and more secure water future.
Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
“During a drought, Bourke is classified as one of the highest-risk communities in terms of potential loss of water supply. This is because of decades of previous government underfunding and poor water infrastructure planning. So, it is a huge relief to have new bores at Stoney Rise and Belvedere as an alternate water supply if the weir pool dries up.
“We know another drought will come, and it is reassuring to see the NSW Government invest in and plan for water infrastructure projects in some of our most vulnerable communities.”
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Development, Lisa Hingerty said:
“It has never been more important that we focus on drought proofing in remote towns to ensure residents can continue to have access to safe and secure water supply.
“Connecting this much needed infrastructure up to the system is the final piece of the puzzle that will enable Council to control the pumps remotely and safely which means less pressure on their resources and staff.
“This project has been a priority for us and I am thrilled to see work now complete. We will continue to monitor the water in the area so that the community can be prepared for future drought events.”
Bourke Shire Mayor Barry Hollman said:
“Council and the Bourke community is most appreciative of the assistance provided by the NSW Government in funding the completion of this important project, which has undoubtedly put Bourke in a stronger position with its drought preparedness. The Government certainly went the extra mile to assist our community.
“The completion of the bore and pipeline project is great news for the community, and it will undoubtedly benefit Bourke by delivering an emergency water supply in times of drought, such that our township is not solely reliant on the river as its source of water.
“Ensuring a reliable, good-quality water supply for the community is a priority for Council and having these new bores, pumps and pipeline will help future-proof our historic town because we know dry times will come again at some point."
