Critical repairs and maintenance of the Albert Priest Channel to help improve water supply efficiency for Cobar and Nyngan is to be funded by the NSW Government.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the funding when he visited Cobar last week.
The $2million is being provided to Bogan Shire Council for repairs and investigations into emergency backup supply options.
Mr Barilaro said stage one of the repair program will pinpoint leak locations along the channel using groundwater imaging and identify potential bore water locations by drilling exploratory and production bores.
Clay lining will then be installed in high leakage areas to prevent water loss and a replacement syphon installed at Belaringer Creek, along with a temporary weir upstream of the Albert Priest Channel outlet.
“With no end to the drought in sight and very little hope of rain during winter we have to do everything we can to save every last drop of water, whether that means replacing cracked tap washers or preventing leaks in transmission channels,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Farmers, businesses and residents right across our regions are doing everything they can to save water and the NSW Government is also doing everything possible to preserve this precious resource.
He said the funding “is not just a quick fix” describing it as an “investment in water security” to complements the measures included in the NSW Government’s $1.8billion drought support package.
