Improving Water Security for Mudgee and Gulgong

The NSW Government and Mid Western Council are joining forces to deliver a clear pathway to bolster water security for Mudgee and Gulgong with early planning works underway that will help build a greater understanding of the water challenges facing the region.

It is thanks to a $330,000 partnership between the NSW Government’s successful Safe and Secure Water Program and Mid-Western Council with both contributing $165,000 each.

Home to about 26,000 people, the area has seen significant expansion over the past 5-10 years with more growth on the way.

This early phase of the project is putting the spotlight on water availability, water usage and how an increase in population will impact water supply over the short and long term.

It includes an assessment for population growth and water demands which will be critical in helping to lock-in a stronger and more secure water future for the region.

The NSW Safe and Secure Water Program supports over $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty said: 

“Mudgee and Gulgong will soon become one of the fastest growing inland regional centres in NSW which is why it is essential that we look at how an increase in population will impact water availability, particularly in the context of climate change.

“The first step in ensuring towns have the water infrastructure they need is to take a deep dive into looking at the health of their current water supplies and what the risks and challenges will be with an increase in demand over the short and long term.

“Having accurate data at our fingertips is key to planning for the future and ensuring that we are providing Mudgee and Gulgong with the right support to ensure they continue to have safe and secure water.”

Mid-Western Council Mayor Des Kennedy said: 

“Teaming up with the NSW Government to assess the water supply in Mudgee and Gulgong will allow us to look at what we need to do to support population growth that will set us up for the next few decades.

“This project is just one piece of the puzzle and will benefit the community by providing us with the latest data that will inform how we improve water security for local families and businesses, including new infrastructure.

“It is great seeing this project gaining momentum and I am looking forward to seeing the results so we can kick our water planning into the next gear.”