The Hon. Paul Toole, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, The Hon. Kevin Anderson, Minister for Lands and Water (NSW), Media Release, 29 August 2022

The NSW Government is investing $22 million to make the Parkes/Peak Hill Water Supply Project a reality and to help future proof the region’s water supply.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $61.7 million major infrastructure project will strengthen water security for the shire and bolster the region’s drought resilience by creating a new raw water supply network for residents and businesses.

“I am thrilled the NSW Nationals in Government are providing the last piece of the funding puzzle, putting in the $22 million needed to enable this critical water supply project to go ahead,” Mr Toole said.

The $61.7 million project will deliver:

• 39 kilometres of new pipelines to link new and existing infrastructure
• Two new pump stations
• An upgraded Lachlan River pump station
• Two new pre-treatment plants at Eugowra Road and Akuna Road
• A new raw water dam at Parkes water treatment plant

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the pipelines will link new and existing infrastructure to support the water needs of residents and businesses.

“While there is currently an abundance of water, we cannot become complacent because dry times are always just around the corner,” Mr Anderson said.

“Parkes was only months away from draining all its water sources before drought breaking rains fell in early 2020.

“This is why we need to invest in long term water infrastructure now, so Parkes has a more reliable water supply when the next drought strikes.

“This project is one of the largest and most significant investments in water infrastructure in regional NSW.

“It will help overhaul the town’s water supply by more than doubling the transfer capacity from the Lachlan River to Parkes.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM welcomed the NSW Government’s support and said the new infrastructure will be crucial for the regions continued development.

“Water is the lifeblood of all regional communities so ensuring we have secure access to safe drinking water is what will drive our future prosperity,” Mr Keith said.

“Parkes has already been identified as a Special Activation Precinct, so we need this project to deliver the necessary water infrastructure that will support our population and economic growth.

“The NSW Government’s contribution is a huge win for the community because it is the final stage of funding that we needed to green light this project and help secure our water future.”

The project is being funded in partnership with the NSW Government, the Australian Government and Parkes Shire Council.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2022.