Construction soon to start on Nyngan-Cobar pump stations

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 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.

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 via 130 kilometres of pipeline.

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

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 expected to start 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.

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 the NSW Government.

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“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.”