Farmers and residents across the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales could soon have better access to the water they need to support and grow their businesses.
The Australian and New South Wales governments have committed $6 million to undertake a business case into the construction of a 10 kilometre pipeline between Lake Rowlands and Carcoar Dam, as well as options to raise the existing Lake Rowlands Dam or construct a new dam downstream.
The proposed new Lake Rowlands Dam would increase existing water storage capacity from 4 gigalitres up to between 8.5 gigalitres and 30 gigalitres, while the new Lake Rowlands to Carcoar Dam pipeline would enable transferring 25 megalitres of water per day.
This would increase the availability, reliability, efficiency and quality of water for agricultural and primary industry use in the Lachlan Valley.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said getting water to where it's needed will drive the region's growth and economic prosperity.
"The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is getting the job done, building the water infrastructure Australians need to live, grow and get ahead," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"A safe and reliable water supply would help unlock the economic potential of new and expanded agricultural opportunities, and this business case is the first step towards helping achieve this across the Central Tablelands.
"When farmers have the water they need, they can grow their business which means more jobs, more economic opportunities and a better standard of living for them and the people they employ."
NSW Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said providing a holistic approach to water security for towns, businesses and the environment is crucial for the region's future growth.
"The Belubula Water Security Scheme takes a collaborative and big-picture approach to delivering water security for the region," Mr Anderson said.
"In close partnership with Central Tablelands Water, we're expanding the current Lake Rowlands Dam to Carcoar Dam pipeline project to include the ongoing development of the Lake Rowlands Dam augmentation project."
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the Federal Government was investing in the water infrastructure to underpin the future of the Central Tablelands and those who call it home.
"I've been pushing for this pipeline and upgrade for Lake Rowlands for a long time and have even hosted Central Tablelands Water at Parliament House in Canberra," Mr Gee said.
"The business case is a crucial step in that process, which will inform the steps we take to support our water security into the future. A new damn wall at Lake Rowlands is a bright hope for a new dam project in our area.
"We're doing the groundwork now to ensure farmers and locals across the Central Tablelands can access the water they need, when they need it."
The Australian Government is providing $2.7 million towards the Belubula Water Security Scheme business case, with the New South Wales Government contributing $3.3 million.
