New pipeline to secure Broken Hill water supply

The NSW Government will for the first time in history provide a safe and secure water supply to the heritage-listed township of Broken Hill in the state’s Far West through the construction of a new pipeline from the Murray River.

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced the 270-kilometre pipeline was part of a $500 million investment in the 2016-17 Budget.

“This is the single biggest investment to secure a town’s water supply in the history of NSW,” Mr Baird said.

“Water security has been a constant challenge for Broken Hill since it was founded in 1883. This unprecedented investment will provide a reliable water source for the historic township and surrounding communities for the first time in history.

“Everyone should have access to clean and secure water and this pipeline will provide certainty to businesses and residents to give this region every opportunity to prosper.”

Mr Baird said the final structure of the project would be determined in the near future, and while the community would be asked to contribute to the cost of the project, the Government would ensure any increase in rates was introduced very gradually.

Pipeline construction is expected to begin early next year and be completed by late 2018.

Deputy Premier Troy Grant said securing the long-term water supply for Broken Hill would have benefits for communities across the Murray Darling Bain.

“This historic project will have benefits across the Basin as it reduces the need for further buybacks of productive water,” Mr Grant said.

Minister for Primary Industries Lands and Water Niall Blair said Menindee was experiencing record low inflows and the Darling River had been notoriously unreliable.

“This pipelines means the Menindee Lakes can be managed more efficiently to balance the need for productive water and the importance of the Lakes for the local community.

The pipeline was determined after extensive analysis of all possible options against strict economic, environmental and social criteria. It is also the centerpiece of the NSW Government’s $1 billion Regional Water Security and Supply Fund.