New storage options to improve water security in the Lachlan Valley were discussed when Water NSW met with Centroc representatives in Forbes on Thursday, November 6.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The discussion was part of the investigations Water NSW is conducting to understand the region's water security problem and consider potential dam sites as part of the NSW Government's Water Security for Regions program.
Water NSW Manager of Basin Planning Dan Berry said the meeting involved looking at the options being investigated and seeking feedback from the Centroc representatives.
"Centroc is one of the key stakeholder groups we are meeting with as part of the investigations which consider the economic, environmental, engineering and community impacts and benefits of each option," Mr Berry said.
"Our main aim was to explain the options and seek feedback from the councils to include in our report to the NSW Government in December.
"Representatives attended from Cabonne, Central Tablelands Water, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Orange and Parkes councils to discuss the need for future town water security.
"The Centroc representatives highlighted the importance of securing town water supplies for regional prosperity as well as the needs of agriculture and industry and considering solutions that deliver the most benefit to the regional economy."
Chair of Centroc, Councillor Ken Keith said the group was supportive of the investigations and pleased their feedback would be considered in the study.
"We were pleased to hear Water NSW present the various options that are being considered in the study and to see the NSW Government's commitment to improving water security for the valley," Councillor Keith said.
"Water NSW has agreed to come back to us later this month and keep us informed throughout the process including representation in any future project governance arrangements.
"The work in the current investigations builds on findings from the previous Centroc water study which indicated a need for increased water storage for the valley."
Feedback from the key stakeholder groups will be presented as part of the analysis of options for improving water security for the valley in the report to the NSW Government in December.
Further information on the investigations is available on the Water NSW website www.statewater.com.au/belubulainvestigations.
