PARKES WATER SECURITY BOLSTERED THROUGH $6M GRANT

The Federal Government is bolstering water security for Parkes Shire residents and businesses through a $6 million Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) grant.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Round 5 BBRF grant would go towards Stage 1 of the $14,407,487 Lachlan River Water Supply Duplication Project.

“Parkes is a growing community and, especially considering the town’s unique location is at the only junction of Australia’s north-south and east-west rail corridors, water supply is vital,” Mr McCormack said.

“With the Special Activation Precinct offering fantastic business opportunities and delivering more jobs for the region on the back of the Federal Government’s Inland Rail project, this significant project will deliver the water infrastructure needed to ensure the community can reach its vast potential.

“The BBRF is all about supporting regional communities and delivering the infrastructure and services they need, want, expect and, most importantly, deserve.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM, said the funding was going towards a project which would ensure the town’s water security for many years to come.

“The Federal funding forms part of a multi-funded project to duplicate the pipeline which will boost water supply for our growing community,” Cr Keith said.

“The Federal Government has been a wonderful supporter of the vision of Parkes Shire Council – I thank Mr McCormack for his advocacy for our wonderful community and for this important project.”

Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.

This latest funding round takes the total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Applicant | Project title | Project description | BBRF funding | Total project cost

Parkes Shire Council | Lachlan River Water Supply Duplication Project Stage 1 | The project will upgrade the Lachlan River water supply | $6,000,000 | $14,402,487