The project is funded by the Australian Government ($562,000), and project partners Cabonne Council, Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water ($562,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Macquarie River, one of the water sources for the Central Tablelands.
Project overview
Central Tablelands Water, Orange City Council and Cabonne Council collectively provide water to around 52,000 people in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.
The region faces water security and management challenges. Population growth is also placing pressure on the water supply.
The preliminary business case will investigate options to improve water supply in the region. It will consider water source options including:
- groundwater
- surface water
- recycled water.
It will also investigate linking 3 existing water supply schemes into a single system. This could increase network resilience and improve water management.
Initial investigations will include:
- options identification and assessment
- risk analysis
- stakeholder engagement
- cost estimates.
Increased water security in these regions would:
- improve drought resilience
- support population growth
- boost productivity.