The Lake Cargelligo’s sewerage treatment plant will get a $3million makeover with the NSW Government announcing an allocation in the 2025-26 Budget to restore vital water and sewer infrastructure to flood-affected towns.

The devastating flood which struck communities across the central west in 2022 caused significant damage to council-managed water and sewer pipelines.

The funding is part of the recovery program and plans to reconfigure infrastructure to be more flood-resilient.

Lachlan's shire deputy mayor Megan Mortimer said ''Lake Cargelligo’s sewerage treatment works were overwhelmed during the 2022 floods and suffered significant damage.

"We could never do this without this funding.

"It will allow the works to be repaired and enhanced, improving durability for the residents for Lake Cargelligo and reducing pollution risk to the adjacent Lachlan River. ''

Ms Mortimer said her community is grateful.

IMAGE: Lachlan Shire Council

 NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin in Parkes said she had seen some of the damaged infrastructure first-hand.

“Reliable water and sewer services are things people in the cities often take for granted," Minister Saffin said.

"Our regional communities shouldn’t be left worse off after disasters. Today this starts to get fixed."

 Barwon MP Roy Butler said it was timely funding for Lake Cargelligo.

"Regional communities have long faced underinvestment in this vital infrastructure. In many areas, sewerage and domestic water systems are outdated, risking residents' liveability, while sewerage treatment has often caused disputes between councils and the EPA.

“I am very pleased to see this investment in our regions, and I will continue working with the NSW Government on this crucial infrastructure."

Other key projects announced include:

• $22.9 million to rebuild the Lake Endeavour pipeline in Parkes Shire

• $300,000 to Cabonne Shire Council for repairs to damaged sewer pumping stations

• $300,000 to Central Tablelands Water for repairs to water services in Eugowra

The Minister said these investments are part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience, disaster recovery and stronger infrastructure across regional NSW.

The funding follows close collaboration between the NSW Government and flood-affected councils, local water authorities and local stakeholders and responds to community advocacy for long-overdue infrastructure support.