NSW Minister for Water Melinda Pavey has announced additional funding of $811,000 for Bourke Shire Council to carry out emergency works that will secure the drinking water needs of communities.
"The Bourke and Louth residents have been doing it particularly tough during the drought and are presently on level five water restrictions," Ms Pavey said.
In December 2018, more than $1.2 million in funding was provided to Council to sink an additional groundwater bore, as very low Darling River flows saw water supplies in Bourke's weir dwindle.
Following a review of the town's drinking water demand, Council determined an additional pipeline from the bore field was needed.
"This funding ensures Council can deliver a parallel pipeline that will help the local community as the drinking supply from the weir dries up," Ms Pavey said.
"With Louth's weir also running low, the funding will cover dredging works linking large water pools upstream of the town to the weir to extend the water availability well into the new year.
"The NSW Government will continue to support Council with solutions that improve Bourke Shire's water security now and into the future."
Mayor of Bourke Shire Council, Cr Barry Hollman, said Council and the Bourke community were extremely appreciative of the assistance provided by the State Government.
"The staff of the Department of Industry Water division have been excellent working with us to provide a timely solution to what was looming as a critical situation."
This year the NSW Government has increased emergency drought funding to $11.4 million so regional towns facing water shortages can manage depleted water supplies, implement emergency capital works and undertake water carting where necessary.
A total of $2,092,135 has been provided by the NSW Government for the Bourke Shire Council works.
