The passing of the Water Supply (Critical Needs) Bill 2019 in the NSW Parliament last week is expected to speed up work on raising the wall at Wyangala Dam.
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The temporary legislation creates a streamlined pathway through the assessment and approvals process for critical water infrastructure, including the raising of Wyangala Dam wall.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the Bill which she says will fast-track certain critical water infrastructure projects by up to six to nine months.
"By passing the temporary legislation, we're getting shovels in the ground sooner to start work on improving water storage and building the dams.
"We are assisting communities in urgent need of water in this current drought, and preparing to capture water and build up reserves for the next drought.
"This new legislation will be in effect for two years and can only be extended by up to 12 months by the Minister for Water, should towns continue to experience severe drought risks."
Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the legislation will ensure we are ready to capture water during the next downpour.
"Urgent action is needed to accelerate the environmental planning assessment and approval times for critical developments that will help secure water supply to those towns in need," Mrs Pavey said.
Earlier this year Mrs Pavey said she was hoping the raising of Wyangala Dam's wall can be fast-tracked and under tender in two and a half years.
"This is to serve the generations, this is what a modern nation can do, what gives it the foundations for its economy," she said.
"The Lachlan Valley will grow with the doubling of capacity of Wyangala Dam."
