Water treatment
Location
Wilcannia, Barkandji Land; White Cliffs, Barkandji Land; Ivanhoe, Ngiympaa Land
NSW
Estimated cost
$21.5 million
Project status
underway
Funding
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($10 million) and the New South Wales Government ($11.5 million). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The Darling River at Wilcannia
Project overview
This project will improve water quality and reliability in the Central Darling Shire.
The project will construct:
- three water treatment plants near the towns of Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and White Cliffs
- a reticulation system, drinking water reservoir and better storage reservoir in White Cliffs.
The project will provide benefits, including:
- improvements in water quality and security
- reducing the need for emergency bores, bottled water and boiling water
- drought and climate change proofing across the region
- economic, cultural, and social uplift.
The White Cliffs water treatment plant and associated works were completed in May 2025.
Construction of the Wilcannia and Ivanhoe water treatment plants is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Key project benefits
Climate change resilience
First Nations access
Water quality
Water security
Learn more
- Read the project announcement: Over $21.5 million for clean drinking water in Far West NSW
- Read about the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap: Closing the Gap: $150 million towards First Nations water security
- Learn more about arrangements for First Nations projects: First Nations Water