Walcha’s new dam complete

An $11 million drought-security project at Walcha is complete with the delivery of a 300 megalitre (ML) off-stream storage dam, pump station and pipelines that will boost water supply and quadruple the town’s water reserves. 

At the peak of the last drought in 2019, Walcha’s 3,000 residents were put on lengthy and severe water restrictions when supplies hit rock bottom. Increasing water storage will enable the community to be in a stronger position to weather a drier climate and will provide a safer and more secure pipeline of water.

The new water infrastructure, jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, will help bolster the town’s drought resilience and long-term water security.

“The completion of this major water security infrastructure project will provide four times the water storage Walcha currently has, giving the town more water to lean on during the next dry period,” said NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson.

“It is great to see the new 300 megalitre off-creek storage dam which is now filled and ready to offset any impacts on water supply, as required in times of drought.

“Water security is always front and centre for regional towns like Walcha, which is why the NSW Government is committed to continuing to deliver infrastructure that will lock-in safer and more secure water in the face of a drying climate. 

Separately to this project, the NSW Government joined forces with the Walcha Council to jointly fund a $1.8 million sewerage network upgrade which was completed in February. It included the construction of a new 20 megalitre storage pond, as well as site improvements and upgrades to other existing infrastructure.

“The completion of the sewerage network upgrade is an added bonus and will play a major part in supporting the growth of Walcha while providing greater protections for the environment,” Ms Jackson said.          

“We copped the brunt of the last drought with the town being subject to tough water restrictions over many months, so that was a real wake-up call for us, which is why this infrastructure is so critical in enabling us to be better prepared for this next one,” Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes said.

“Upgrading our sewerage scheme has also been a huge bonus because wastewater services are fundamental in improving the liveability of the town and ensuring we are in a better position to deal with any increase in demand on the network over the coming decades.”