WATERSHED MOMENT FOR WYANGALA DAM: McCORMACK

RIVERINA MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says the Federal Government is committed to increasing water security in the Lachlan River catchment by raising the height of the Wyangala Dam wall.

The Federal Government and the New South Wales State Government announced on Sunday they would together deliver a $650 million upgrade of Wyangala Dam, which would raise the wall height from 85 metres to 95 metres in a 50/50 funding partnership.

Mr McCormack said the project was a significant investment in the future of the Riverina and Central West.

“What we are doing here with the Wyangala Dam is increasing the inland water storage to go to security for towns in the Lachlan River Catchment, including Cowra, Forbes, Grenfell, Parkes, Temora, West Wyalong and Young, as well as flood mitigation,” Mr McCormack said.

“Essentially, this means when it rains again we will have 650 Gigalitres more in capacity to store water and help to prevent flood events, as well as having more water available when the next drought occurs.

“This is what happens when you have the Federal Government and a willing State Government working together to build the water infrastructure this nation so desperately needs.

“Of course, we have been getting on with the job of building water infrastructure, building dams, of heightening lengthening and strengthening weirs and most importantly building the pipelines to better plumb our nation.”

Mr McCormack said the project would also deliver many jobs to the region as a result of the construction.

“As this drought continues, it is important to ensure our local communities can continue to thrive,” Mr McCormack said.

“This project will certainly create many jobs and provide a much-needed injection into the local economy.”

Mr McCormack said the funding would prioritise all necessary business case development and design works.

“We are already making significant investments in water infrastructure capital projects nationwide and today’s announcement signals a major acceleration of that commitment,” Mr McCormack said.

“No one should doubt our commitment to getting these sorts of projects done in partnership with all states and territories – our $1.3 billion National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility are in place to deliver the planning, assessment and construction work needed to build the water infrastructure of the 21st Century.

“These projects will fit into our strategic plan for improving regional water security through water infrastructure led by the National Water Grid Authority.”


Shane Manning