The NSW Government will pause plans to replace Cobar’s oldest water supply pipeline based on cost.

Cobar is one of the few towns in NSW without its own water source, relying on water being transported 130 kilometres from the Nyngan weir pool for their supply. 

The pipeline replacement project was supposed to improve water reliability for the region, however the NSW Government estimated that the cost replacing the pipeline had ballooned to over $300 million.

Unable to find any other funding options, the NSW Government decided the upgrade had to be deferred. 

Cobar currently has two pipelines to bring in water; a newer pipeline, built in 1983, which remains in good condition and is expected to continue working for more than a decade.

The older pipeline was built in 1964, with 30 km of the older pipeline was previously replaced in 2017.

Due to budgetary reasons only a small section was worked on, while the other 100 km of pipeline was set to be replaced. It is now expected to continue operating with ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Council disappointed

Peter Vlatko, General Manager at Cobar Shire Council said it was a disappointing outcome.  

"Unfortunately the government's made a decision that they can't afford it, and that puts us in a position that we have to manage the pipeline until they can afford it. 

"It's one of those things where we're very concerned about water security for the town and for the mines, but we're focusing on how we can be positive and progressive and somehow we can get a solution."  

Despite the pipeline replacement being put on hold, the NSW Government says it will maintain its commitment to helping Cobar’s long-term water security and reliability.  

Executive Director of Infrastructure Projects at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Greg Winchester said water security will not be jeopardised.

"This pipeline will remain operational and will continue to be maintained by Cobar Water Board alongside its other water supply pipeline that shows zero signs of leakage and is expected to continue to supply safe and secure water for more than a decade," he said. 

“The good news is work on the final business case is complete, so the pipeline project could be revisited down the track."  

In December 2024, the Albanese Government and Minns NSW Labor Government announced they would jointly fund two new high tech pump stations to be built in Nyngan and Hermidale.

Construction of the new pump stations is still expected to begin sometime this year, with $26.25 million from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund and $22.75 million from the NSW Government in funding to deliver the project.