Parkes Shire Council has welcomed a major funding announcement made on Tuesday 1 July, with $22.9 million committed by the NSW Government to rebuild and reconfigure the Lake Endeavour water pipeline, reinstating long-term water security for the region.
The investment is part of the NSW Government's $27 million funding package in the 2025-26 NSW Budget to support the recovery and resilience of vital water and sewer infrastructure across the Central West following the devastating 2022 flood events.
The rebuild will help protect the water supply system that services approximately 12,000 residents across Parkes, Peak Hill, and surrounding rural properties, as well as delivering raw water from the dams to rural residences between the dams and Parkes. The system also supports key economic drivers such as agriculture and local industry.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said the funding was the result of persistent advocacy and a strong collaborative effort between Council, the NSW Government, and local stakeholders.
"We're incredibly pleased to see this commitment from the NSW Government. The Lake Endeavour pipeline is a vital part of Parkes' water supply network - its failure during future floods could have devastating consequences for our community," Cr Westcott said.
"This project is about protecting our water security, supporting economic growth, and ensuring Parkes remains resilient in the face of climate change and future natural disasters."
Lake Endeavour plays a critical role in maintaining water supply during periods of drought, poor water quality, or low flows in the Lachlan River. The new pipeline will be designed with improved alignment and construction standards to better withstand flood conditions and reduce future maintenance and risk.
Parkes Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure, Andrew Francis, said the pipeline project is a vital step forward in protecting local water services.
"The damage sustained during the 2022 flood event highlighted vulnerabilities in our water network," Mr Francis said.
"Reconfiguring the Lake Endeavour pipeline to a more flood-resilient location will significantly reduce operational risks and enhance our ability to provide a safe, secure water supply to the Parkes community and surrounding region."
General Manager of Parkes Shire Council, Kent Boyd, emphasised the broader impact of the funding.
"This investment demonstrates the importance of long-term infrastructure planning and advocacy," Mr Boyd said. "It's not only about repairing damage but building back smarter, ensuring our infrastructure is future proofed for the challenges ahead. We thank the NSW Government for recognising this need and backing our community."
The funding forms part of the NSW Government's broader investment in disaster recovery and climate resilience across regional NSW, responding to the impact of the 2022 flood events and ensuring regional communities are not left behind.
The Mayor expressed sincere gratitude for the advocacy efforts of Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, Member for Orange Phil Donato, and Member for Barwon Roy Butler in securing this vital support. He also extended his appreciation to the NSW Reconstruction Authority for its ongoing commitment to building more resilient regional communities.
"This is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to back regional communities," Cr Westcott added. "We thank the NSW Government for this investment and look forward to delivering this critical project for the people of Parkes Shire."
