The NSW Government will provide funding for 30 urgent water infrastructure projects in drought-affected communities.
The $87.76 million in funding will help regional towns to combat the current drought conditions they're facing.
The funding will provide:
- $15 million for water carting into small regional communities
- $38.66 million for critical town water infrastructure projects in the state’s north and west
- $4.6 million for business and household water savings programs for towns most at risk
- $29.5 million for capital water infrastructure projects, including the planning and feasibility assessments for a new pipeline to connect Nyngan and Cobar to additional water supplies.
The funding will also repair and maintain current infrastructure, including pipelines and off-stream storages.
Minister for Water Melinda Pavey said the funding will provide much needed relief for towns who are staring down the face of day zero.
“Flows have already ceased below Warren Weir on the Macquarie, and water releases to the Lower Namoi and Lower Darling stopped in December last year. Communities are doing it tough and need our support,” Ms Pavey said.
Find out more about the available drought assistance packages on DroughtHub