New water treatment plants are taking shape in both Wilcannia and Ivanhoe as Central Darling Shire Council progresses two of the most significant infrastructure investments in the shire’s recent history, while the council navigates a projected $2.068 million operating deficit and works to secure emergency backup water supply for the town.
The Wilcannia Water Treatment Plant, funded through the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program with additional support from the National Water Grid Fund totalling $3.885 million, has been awarded to SNG Engineering Pty Ltd. Work on the plant’s foundations commenced in February 2026, with 42 per cent of the $7.385 million project budget expended as of the May meeting.
The Ivanhoe Water Treatment Plant, also funded through the Safe and Secure Water Program with $3.35 million from the National Water Grid Fund on a $5.85 million project, has been awarded to Liquitek Pty Ltd. Off-site fabrication works are largely complete and civil construction is progressing, with major components expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.
White Cliffs has already seen the completion of its town water reticulation replacement, with all water mains renewed by June 2025 and the new network commissioned. Decommissioning of the old network is now underway, with additional works on water reservoirs, raw water mains and pumps carried out to support the new Water Treatment Plant.
A separate discussion at the May meeting covered progress on emergency water supply works near Morehead, where a bore has been successfully drilled. The $50,000 project still requires the bore to be fully equipped with electrical metering, fencing, valves and pipework before it can function as an emergency backup water supply for the town. Council has applied for a water access licence and will also carry new ongoing electricity costs associated with the installation. The Director of Shire Services confirmed the works are progressing.
On the council’s financial position, the March quarter budget review projects a net operating deficit of $2.068 million for 2025-26, representing a $1.076 million increase on the original deficit projection. Key drivers include flood damage to roads from a March 2026 storm event, increased fuel and contractor costs reflecting ongoing global economic pressures, and additional unbudgeted service delivery works. The deputy chair noted at the meeting that fuel cost spikes in the first quarter were a one-off, with spending since returning to budget.
Cash and investments stood at $890,000 as at March 31, with $7.279 million externally restricted. The council noted restricted funds are currently underfunded by $6.685 million, but that position is substantially offset by $8.165 million in outstanding grant funding yet to be received.
Road works continue at scale across the shire. The $5.26 million SLRIP-funded upgrade of the Ivanhoe-Menindee Road, which will raise the road’s vertical alignment, install new culverts and seal a 4.8-kilometre section near Menindee, is progressing with crews active through April, May and June. The Racecourse Road Menindee upgrade under the Fixing Local Roads program has been completed at a cost of $2.34 million.
Council also resolved at the May meeting to seek a further three-year appointment as Manager of the Menindee Common Trust, with the Menindee Common Trust committee unanimously in favour of the renewal and council staff commended for their direct community consultation ahead of the decision.
The next ordinary meeting of Central Darling Shire Council will be held on Tuesday June 23, 2026 at the Council Chambers, 21 Reid Street, Wilcannia, commencing at 10.30am.
This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 2 June 2026.
