Nyngan will enjoy greater water security after a joint-government project was completed.

The new $2 million Belaringar Creek syphon has been described as a ‘game-changer,’ and will send its first lot of water down the Macquarie River in the next week.

The pipeline was built under the Belaringar Creek in 1942 which transports raw water from the Albert Priest Channel to Nyngan for critical town water supply. 

However, the original infrastructure had been leaking in recent years due to its old age, causing significant water losses and impacting the town’s drought resilience. 

The replacement 900mm diameter, 177-metre syphon will provide the first water transfer from the channel in more than two months.

Key stakeholders have welcomed the syphon upgrade.

“The old Belaringar Creek Syphon was a stalwart for more than eight decades, but it had never had a major upgrade and was badly leaking which is why we agreed with Council that replacing it should be high on our priority list,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development - Water, Lisa Hingerty said.

“Reducing water loss and waste is a key piece of the water security jigsaw for this region. The newly minted syphon will be a game-changer when it comes to improving efficiency and shoring up Nyngan’s supply over the long term, especially when water is scarce. 

“While this major work is now signed, sealed and delivered - we've got more where that came from with investigations continuing into a new bore and pipeline to lock-in more water supply for Nyngan. 

“There has never been a more important time to prepare our regional towns for the challenges of a changing climate, including making sure local water infrastructure is up to scratch.” 

Bogan Shire Council Mayor Glen Neill said while the wider water security project has other components that are still being worked on, the syphon replacement in time for summer when water evaporates fastest, was a huge win for the region.

“These various projects that we have on the boil not only work to help secure our water future but also provide local jobs and stimulate our businesses.  

“Council values the continued strong relationship with the NSW Government, which has resulted in some big gains on the water infrastructure front for Nyngan over the past few years, that will help stand our community in good stead for the future.”  

The project was funded by the NSW Government as part of a $7.23 million package from the State’s Critical Drought Fund and delivered in partnership with Bogan Shire Council. 

Funding will also be provided for a new town bore and pipeline currently in the planning and development phase. This will provide an alternative water supply for Nyngan to lean on during droughts. 

For more information – https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/water-infrastructure-nsw/grants-and-funding