Construction begins on vital water pipeline

Work on the Orange to Blayney to Carcoar Water Security Pipeline Project is well underway within streets in Orange.

Lone Pine Avenue, Wakeford Street and Dairy Creek Road have had sections along the road side ripped up while the 61- kilometre pipeline is laid.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said long-term water security is vital to the needs of regional communities and underpins confidence for continued investment and growth in these areas.

“It is exciting to see construction begin on the Orange to Blayney and Carcoar Water Security Pipeline Project which will improve water security across a large area of central-west NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I’m proud the NSW Government has been able to contribute $21.21 million to this important project through the $325 million Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program.”

The project involves the construction of a 61-kilometre water pipeline from Orange to Carcoar, via Spring Hill, Millthorpe and Blayney. It is expected to take 12 months to complete and will improve water access and security in areas serviced by Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water.

Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair, said the NSW Government is committed to helping communities across the state prepare for drought conditions and to ensuring regional towns have the infrastructure they need to support economic growth.

“In regional areas, water means vibrant communities and jobs. Through the NSW Government’s Water Security for Regions program, we have augmented dams, constructed pipelines and bores and contributed to a range of water efficiency projects across the state, and we are so pleased of the positive impact that these initiatives are having on local communities,” Mr Blair said.

Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, said most of the two-way, underground pipeline is to be installed within road corridors to minimise impacts on the environment.

“The pipeline construction process will look much like a moving assembly line with, typically, 200 metres to 400 metres of pipeline laid each day. It is great to see the cooperation between Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water in the management of this project which will allow both organisations to share water resources. “Mr Toole said.

For maps and details of the pipeline project head to our dedicated pipeline webpage.

PIPES: Contractors complete about 80 metres of pipeline a day.