One of the largest water infrastructure projects in western NSW that will supercharge water reliability for Cobar is expected to break ground soon. 

The $49 million project, jointly funded by state and federal governments, will deliver two new state-of-the-art pump stations at Nyngan and Hermidale, addressing critical risks of failure and ensuring water can continue to be safely transferred to Cobar.

Bogan Shire mayor Glen Neill says workers are on site.

‘’This definitely has huge benefits for us and Cobar in the long term and the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson, Member for Barwon Roy Butler came with us on a visit and are impressed with the site and the work which has to be done on the project,’’ Mayor Neill said.

Cobar is one of the only towns in NSW that doesn’t have its own water source, relying on water to be transferred via the Albert Priest Channel, then pumped from Nyngan through 130 kilometres of pipeline.

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson joined Member for Barwon Roy Butler and Bogan Shire Council to tour the Nyngan site on July 8.

“These pump stations are part of our commitment to deliver better water security and infrastructure for Cobar.

“We’re working closely with the local community, including Mr Butler, Cobar Shire Council, Bogan Shire Council and the Cobar Water Board as we get on with the job of building these essential pump stations at Hermidale and Nyngan.

"Shovels will be in the ground soon to deliver on this landmark project and bolster Cobar’s pumping infrastructure.”

The Minister met with the Cobar Water Board on July 2.

‘’Myself and the Minister checked out the twin 700ML storage, both are looking very full, the pumping infrastructure and the Albert Priest channel itself," said Mr Butler.

"Bogan Shire has had some challenges with an emergency bore.

"Rose (NSW Water Minister) intends to find a way to facilitate a better arrangement for emergency water supply.’’

The work is a critical fix to replace the ageing pump stations built in the last century, which can no longer reliably meet network demands.

Operators have been forced to engage temporary bypass measures at Hermidale to ensure water continues to flow to Cobar.

The new pump stations will incorporate the latest technology to enable remote monitoring and significantly improve safety for operators.

 Contractor Diona is on site to begin preparation work in the coming weeks. Once shovels hit the ground, construction will progress rapidly, with both pump stations expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

‘’I understand the final details were finalised on Friday by the Cobar Water Board so it's all looking good," Cr Neill said.

When contacted a spokesperson for the Cobar Water Board said at the moment they had no comment.

Water Minister Rose Jackson said ‘’The NSW Government will continue to work collaboratively with Cobar Water Board to ensure the infrastructure is fit-for-purpose and can meet Cobar’s needs now and into the future.’’

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through its National Water Grid Fund, and NSW Government.