Dubbo Regional Council has reached an important milestone in works to strengthen Wellington's long-term water security, with the completion of a critical underbore beneath the Main Western railway line as part of the Wellington Groundwater Pipeline Project.
The underbore, which extends approximately 80 metres, forms part of a staged program of works designed to improve drought resilience and support a more reliable water supply for the Wellington community during future dry periods.
Council is continuing to deliver infrastructure that better prepares communities across the region for dry conditions and future drought events, including works that improve access to groundwater and strengthen the resilience of local town water supplies.
"While current conditions are manageable, now is the time to continue preparing for future dry periods," Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said.
"Our community has faced drought conditions before. By continuing to invest in long-term water security infrastructure, Council is working to ensure our towns are better placed to manage the challenges of future drought events."
The milestone follows significant preparatory works already completed on the project, after $30 million in funding was awarded to Council in December 2019 to deliver major infrastructure projects that enhance drought resilience for the community.
The Wellington Groundwater Pipeline Project, which spans approximately 4.7 kilometres, forms part of Council's long-term strategy to support a more resilient water supply for Wellington.
Council has been focused on planning and constructing drought security projects that increase access to groundwater. This is an important means of providing a more secure potable water supply for communities in times of drought.
With the rail underbore works now complete, attention will turn to the next phase of the project, including progressing works to cross the Macquarie-Wambuul River, with further works continuing in stages.
