Residents of the Central West are being invited to explore proposed water infrastructure projects aimed at improving water supply, securing water availability, and enhancing drought resilience in the region. The Belubula Water Security Project, with a funding of $7.7 million, is hosting a series of community information sessions to provide locals with insights into the project’s plans and objectives.
The key focus of the project aims to develop a full business case (FBC), which will evaluate the feasibility of several infrastructure options designed to improve water security in the region. These options include:
A new pipeline: A proposed pipeline between Lake Rowlands Dam and Carcoar Dam would allow the transfer of up to 2 gigalitres (GL) of water annually. This would capture excess water during spill events, thereby bolstering the region’s water supply.
Raising the Lake Rowlands dam wall: by raising the dam wall, the storage capacity of Lake Rowlands would increase from 4.5GL to 8GL. This expansion would ensure a more secure and consistent water supply for the Central Tablelands and potentially the city of Orange.
Building a new dam: a new dam could be constructed 2.5km downstream of Lake Rowlands, further enhancing water storage capacity in the region.
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Optimising an interregional pipeline: The project also aims to develop operational rules for a two-way interregional pipeline that connects Orange to the Belubula catchment. This could improve the management and distribution of water between regions.
These four options have been shortlisted as part of the Lachlan and Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Water Strategies. They represent forward-thinking solutions to future-proof the water supply for towns in the Central West, such as Blayney, Carcoar, and Canowindra.
To keep the community engaged and informed, several drop-in sessions are being held across the region:
Tuesday 25 March: 12pm-5pm at Orange Central Square Shopping Centre
Wednesday 26 March: 10.30am-12.30pm at CWA Canowindra Branch Hall
Wednesday 26 March: 3.30pm-6.30pm at the Central Tablelands Collection Facility, Bathurst
Thursday 27 March: 11am-2pm at Blayney Shire Community Centre
An online webinar will also be available on Tuesday 1 April from 5:30pm to 6:30pm for those unable to attend in person.
Feedback on the project can be submitted through a survey available on the project page until Friday 5 April.
The FBC will allow the NSW Government to conduct detailed planning, including technical, environmental, and cultural assessments, as well as cost-benefit analysis. Work on the business case is expected to be completed by early 2026, with ongoing community consultations throughout the process.
The project is co-funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the NSW Government. For more information, visit the project’s official page: Belubula Water Security Project.
Lisa Hingerty, Executive Director of Infrastructure Development at NSW DCCEEW, emphasised the importance of these consultations, stating, “We understand the unique water challenges in the Central West and know that drought resilience is crucial for the community. This project is about making informed decisions to ensure a reliable and sustainable water future for the region.”
