New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro

New South Wales Minister for Regional Water Niall Blair

Pipeline Delivers Liquid Gold To Silver City

Victor P Taffa

New South Wales Government today opened the valves of the 270 km Wentworth-Broken Hill pipeline.

This is one of the most significant water infrastructure projects built in regional New South Wales securing the future of the iconic far western city.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro turned on the taps that will deliver the first stream of water from Wentworth on the banks of the Murray River to residents, businesses and families in Broken Hill.

Deputy Premier Barilaro said the pipeline, which was delivered on time and under budget, will ensure the silver city continues to thrive as an iconic mining town and tourism destination.

 

“Today we have fulfilled a promise, made by the New South Wales Liberals & Nationals Government, that Broken Hill would never be allowed to run out of water under our watch.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

“Broken Hill’s people, its places and industries are so important to our outback history, our regional identity and the State’s economy, and this pipeline comes at a time when water security is critical.”

“We started this journey to guarantee safe and secure water for Broken Hill removing the stress from what is a basic right for any community, no matter where it is.”

“With this critical piece of water infrastructure now in place and capable of delivering up to 37.4 megalitres of water every day, we have secured a future for Broken Hill for generations to come.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

Today marks the end of the official commissioning phase of the Government’s $467 Million, 270 km Wentworth to Broken Hill Pipeline Project with critical testing to occur in upcoming weeks to guarantee water quality for residents.

Minister for Regional Water Niall Blair commended WaterNSW and the John Holland and MPC Kinetic Joint Venture, which successfully delivered the project.

“New South Wales Government’s brief to WaterNSW was to ensure the on-time and on-budget delivery of this massive water infrastructure undertaking to safeguard the people of Broken Hill from running out of water.” Minister Blair said.

“Dire water supply levels in Broken Hill at that time meant WaterNSW was faced with an enormous delivery challenge; the biggest challenge being that a pipeline of this magnitude normally takes more than 18-months to build.”

“However, thanks to the skilled guidance of WaterNSW’s Executive and Project Management leaders, and their selection of experienced contractors John Holland and MPC Kinetic, this unified project team successfully constructed and delivered the biggest water pipeline in Australia’s recent history, and in an industry-record time of just 12-months.” Minister Blair said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said he was proud that the New South Wales Government has been able to deliver the crucial infrastructure required to change the lives of people in Broken Hill.

“These are the kinds of investments only possible when you have good economic management and a strong commitment to making life for people in regional NSW as easy as possible.” Mr. Humphries said.

“A secure and reliable water supply will have a huge impact on our community.”

Deputy Premier Barilaro said the implementation of the 270 km pipeline has been an incredible training ground for local workers who have gained new skills and qualifications that will lead to better employment opportunities in the future.

“Secure and reliable water supplies aside, the Wentworth to Broken Hill Pipeline Project has also seen more than 150 local people working on the project, and it’s injected close to $50 Million directly into the local business economy, while being delivered.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

“It has also seen 47 local Aboriginal people secure employment opportunities and participate in the delivery of this project, which is almost double the target we set WaterNSW to achieve. 28,000 tonnes of Illawarra steel have been used to construct the pipeline, providing economic benefits across the State.”