Joint media release: Cleaner, better drinking water supplies for New South Wales communities in critical need

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Water

The Australian and NSW Labor governments are teaming up to invest an extra $41.1 million in projects to deliver critical water quality and supply improvements to regional New South Wales communities.

For Yass, both governments will contribute $18.1 million each towards the refurbishment of existing, and construction of new water treatment assets to improve the quality of drinking water – a long-standing issue for the Yass community.

According to a survey conducted by the Yass Valley Council in 2024, 85% of residents do not drink the tap water and seek alternative sources of water.

This project will provide greater town water supplies, improved water quality and additional regional development opportunities.

In Cobar, an additional $3.5 million of Australian Government funding will go toward a rescope of the previously co-funded stage 1 of the Nyngan to Cobar construction project to provide long term water supply reliability and water security for the Cobar community. This additional funding will replace two pump stations currently either broken or failing.

In Bathurst, $1.4 million (Australian Government $700,000, NSW Government $350,000 and Bathurst Regional Council $350,000) will also be provided for the development of a detailed business case to address the gap between the existing available water supply for the Bathurst community and the supply required for the current population.

The business case will help identify opportunities to use diverse water sources to support a reliable supply of water for the community.

The Australian and New South Wales Labor governments are committed to working together to provide responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.

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

“All Australians, no matter where they live, have the right to safe, reliable water.

“Yass is only an hour drive from Canberra yet residents experience regular boil water alerts due to water quality issues. This isn’t acceptable and that’s why we are taking action.

“The new water treatment plant will be a gamechanger for Yass.

“We’ll keep working with the New South Wales Government on improving water security and reliability across the state.”

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson:

“Every person deserves access to clean, safe drinking water every time they turn on the tap.

“The NSW Government is fulfilling our election commitment to improve and protect drinking water quality for the people of Yass.

“We understand the community’s frustration with past broken promises from the former government. That’s why we’ve secured funding to finally get this project underway and will work with council to deliver it without delay.

“Across the state, we remain committed to strengthening water security for regional communities. This funding will ensure that Yass, Bathurst, and Cobar have the infrastructure needed to deliver reliable water quality and supply, even in the face of challenging climate conditions.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“Brown and smelly water would not be tolerated in the city, but like so many regional communities, that’s been the reality in Yass for decades – with locals told to just put up with it.

“The water quality issues have seen people move away from Yass, put a hand break on the community as it continues to grow, and also placed increased cost pressures on local businesses.

“Yass deserves better, which is why the Albanese Government is investing $18.1 million towards a new water treatment plant – delivering a long-term solution for the community’s future.

“Yass families and businesses have asked for a fix for decades, it’s something I’ve advocated for since I was elected in 2020, and I’m incredibly proud to have secured this funding before Yass moves out of the Eden-Monaro electorate.”