The proposed construction plan to install three new pump stations in Cobar, Nyngan and Hermidale has been approved by the Australian Government, who have agreed to co-fund the $46 million project alongside the NSW Government.

A collection of Government horse-power met at the Cobar water treatment plant on Monday 2 May to announce the new pump stations, which are set to help address issues arising from decades of corrosion within the town's existing water infrastructure.

Federal member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said, “This is the lifeline for not only the township of Cobar, but also for the mines that help sustain the township."

"It was a couple of months ago we announced the funding for the business case and the design for the new pipeline, but it was felt from the water board, council and others that there’s a nervousness around the pumps; that they could fail before the major project got underway.

"That led to a more immediate decision to fund the pumps ahead of the major project," Mr Coulton said. 

The new pump stations will use the latest technology to regulate water flow and pressure as it travels more than 125 kilometres from the Bogan weir pools at Nyngan to Cobar where it will be used for residential and commercial use.

The NSW Government and Federal Government have both contributed $23 million each in order to achieve funding for this project.

Federal government representatives say joining forces with the NSW Government will enable them to fast track the delivery of the pump stations while the final business case is confirmed for a new pipeline between Nyngan and Cobar.

"Not only does it sustain Cobar as we know it now, but ultimately sustains a larger Cobar into the future, having that security of water," Mr Coulton said.

NSW Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson said that the increased efficiency and water management is essential because "every drop counts".

The key infrastructure will be a brand new pipeline which has carried water between Cobar and Nyngan for many decades and is coming to the end of its useful life.

"From an engineering point of view it's dead simple, the problem is that it’s old, some of it is completely worn out – without getting into the technical details, I think some of the equipment in the pump station would be 60 years old," said Doug McKay, Cobar Water Board President.

"It’s not only not working well but it's dangerous conditions in some cases, and it’s simply no longer sufficient for the job it’s trying to do. Ideally, we want a new pipeline and new pump station as well, but we’re enormously appreciative that we’re going to have new pumps.”

The new pump stations are expected to not only improve water reliability for the town’s 4,000 residents along with local businesses and mining; but should also provide the local community with employment opportunities during the construction phase.

The current pump stations will be de-commissioned once the new ones have been built.

Work on design, environment assessments, planning approvals and procurement are said to commence shortly, with construction expected to begin mid-2023.