Stage one of $65 million project complete

A significant milestone in securing Parkes' long-term water supply has been reached with the completion of stage one of the Lachlan River Water Supply Duplication Project. In an announcement from Parkes Shire Council, it said these upgrades form a critical part of the broader $65 million Parkes Water Security Program and is all about "proactively addressing the town's increasing water demands while enhancing infrastructure resilience". With a combined investment exceeding $13 million, these upgrades were jointly funded by Council (more than $7 million) and the Australian Government ($6 million). The upgrades significantly enhance Parkes' water infrastructure, improving both its capacity and efficiency. A key component of the project is the construction of a new Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL), which has increased the Parkes Water Treatment Plant's storage capacity by more than 20 megalitres. When full, the RWSL provides 24-hours of additional raw water supply, reinforcing Parkes' resilience during droughts, emergencies or utility outages. The RWSL also allows Council to use associated raw water pumping infrastructure with greater operational flexibility, such as pumping raw water under solar power and during off-peak power tariff periods. Upgrades to the Lachlan River Pump Station have significantly boosted the volume of water that can be transferred from the Lachlan River to Parkes, which further enhances the town's water security. And the construction of a one kilometre pipeline connecting the Lachlan River Precinct to the pump station site completes the initial phase of a planned 40km pipeline, which will improve water transfer capacity. In line with Council's sustainability objectives, a solar array and battery system have been installed. These systems reduce the energy costs and carbon emissions required to power the transfer of raw water. Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott emphasised the positive impact of these developments. "This suite of projects represents a critical investment in the future of Parkes," he said. "By enhancing our water infrastructure, we're ensuring that our residents, businesses and industries have the reliable resources they need to thrive. "It's a game-changer for local and regional development in the Central West." General Manager of Parkes Shire Council Kent Boyd said these strategic upgrades will help ensure Parkes can meet both present and future demands for domestic supply, along with supporting key industries such as Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and the Parkes Special Activation Precinct. The SAP is expected to stimulate business activity, bolster economic development and result in the substantial creation of new jobs. "These now-complete water security upgrades are transformative for the Parkes Shire," Mr Boyd said. "These upgrades address immediate water demands and lay the foundation for sustainable growth, supporting industrial expansion and strengthening our community's resilience to water security challenges." The impact of these upgrades it's expected will extend beyond Parkes, fostering regional economic integration and responsible water management. Parkes Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, Andrew Francis, highlighted the importance of innovation in responsible water management. "From increasing water storage by 20 megalitres to integrating sustainable solar-powered features, this initiative exemplifies forward-thinking water management," Mr Francis said. "These upgrades contribute towards securing Parkes' water future, enabling us to meet growing demands while minimising environmental impacts." The completion of these upgrades paves the way for the next stage of the Parkes Water Security Program, which includes an additional bore and raw river water pre-treatment plant. These shovel-ready projects will further enhance Parkes' water security. Aligned with the NSW Government's Lachlan Regional Water Strategy and Parkes' Community Strategic Plan, these projects support sustainable growth and enhanced resilience for Parkes and the surrounding region.