Joint media release: A brighter future for Walcha

Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
NSW Minister for Water, the Hon Rose Jackson MLC
Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes
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An $11 million drought-security project at Walcha is complete with the delivery of a 300 megalitre (ML) off-stream storage dam, pump station and pipelines that will boost water supply and quadruple the town’s water reserves.

The project was funded thanks to $2 million from the Albanese Labor Government, through its National Water Grid Fund, and a further $9 million from the NSW Government.

Increasing water storage will enable the community to be in a stronger position to weather a drier climate and will provide a safer and more secure pipeline of water.

At the peak of the last drought in 2019, Walcha’s 3,000 residents were put on lengthy and severe water restrictions when supplies hit rock bottom.

The new water infrastructure, which was delivered on time and on budget, will help bolster the town’s drought resilience and long-term water security.

Separately to this project, the NSW Government joined forces with the Walcha Council to jointly fund a $1.8 million sewerage network upgrade which was completed in February.

It included the construction of a new 20 megalitre storage pond, as well as site improvements and upgrades to other existing infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“The completion of this major water security infrastructure project will provide four times the water storage Walcha currently has, giving the town more water to lean on during the next dry period.

“It is great to see the new 300 megalitre off-creek storage dam which is now filled and ready to offset any impacts on water supply, as required in times of drought.

“Water security is always front and centre for regional towns like Walcha, which is why the NSW Government is committed to continuing to deliver infrastructure that will lock-in safer and more secure water in the face of a drying climate.

“The completion of the sewerage network upgrade is an added bonus and will play a major part in supporting the growth of Walcha while providing greater protections for the environment.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“The threat of climate change for regional communities like Walcha is very real, and we know droughts are becoming more extreme and frequent.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s top priority is to secure safe and clean drinking water for communities right across the country, including in regional Australia.

“This $11 million water infrastructure project safeguards Walcha’s access to drinking water for decades to come, even during prolonged dry periods, and provides more certainty for residents and businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes:

“We would like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support in delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure that will help future proof water supplies for Walcha.

“We copped the brunt of the last drought with the town being subject to tough water restrictions over many months, so that was a real wake-up call for us, which is why this infrastructure is so critical in enabling us to be better prepared for this next one.

“Upgrading our sewerage scheme has also been a huge bonus because wastewater services are fundamental in improving the liveability of the town and ensuring we are in a better position to deal with any increase in demand on the network over the coming decades.”