“New infrastructure is the key to putting towns like Forbes in a stronger position to manage critical town water supply during a drought emergency” said NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton
The NSW Government is investing in Forbes’ water security as construction begins on a $7.6 million critical infrastructure project. The funding includes $4.6 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council to deliver two new production bores, two test bores and a 5.3km duplication pipeline.
NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton said “Forbes was one of the many Central West communities hit hard by the last drought, the state’s worst on record, which is why we are working with Forbes Shire Council to help lock-in better water security.”
The new pipeline will run alongside the existing one that pumps water from the borefield to the Forbes Water Treatment Plant.
While the Lachlan River is the region’s main water supply, the town switches to bore water during dry periods when water in the river is too low or unsuitable for treatment.
The new infrastructure will significantly increase capacity by up to 80 per cent and provide a more robust water network that will ease pressure on the system and ensure residents have enough water to withstand the dry spells.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller said “No one in our community will forget the last drought when water in the Lachlan River was so low we had to rely on two emergency bores for six months, which was a struggle. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to expand our existing network.”