Construction has begun on a major upgrade to the Forbes Water Supply Scheme to strengthen drought resilience and improve supply reliability for more than 7,000 residents.
Backed by $4.6 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council, the $7.6 million project will expand the town’s groundwater capacity and duplicate critical transfer infrastructure.
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Why is the Forbes water supply being upgraded?
Forbes relies primarily on the Lachlan River. During extended dry periods, when river levels are too low or water quality is unsuitable for treatment, the town switches to groundwater from its borefield.
However, the existing three production bores and single transfer pipeline can deliver only 10 megalitres per day. During peak demand, daily consumption can reach 17 megalitres.
The shortfall has previously forced emergency measures.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller said the last drought exposed the town’s vulnerability.
“No one in our community will forget the last drought when water in the Lachlan River was so low we had to rely on two emergency bores for six months, which was a struggle,” Cr Miller said.
“That’s why we’re doing everything we can to expand our existing network to ensure we have the right infrastructure at hand to continue delivering safer and more secure water to residents no matter what comes our way.”
What infrastructure will be delivered?
The project includes two new production bores, two test bores and a 5.3-kilometre duplication pipeline running alongside the existing main that transfers water from the borefield to the Forbes Water Treatment Plant.
Once complete, the upgrade is expected to increase supply capacity by up to 80 per cent, providing greater operational flexibility and redundancy during drought conditions.
The works form part of the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, which is supporting up to $1 billion in water infrastructure projects across the state. More than 260 projects are currently in planning or delivery.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton, said the investment responds directly to the region’s recent experience.
“Forbes was one of the many Central West communities hit hard by the last drought, the state’s worst on record, which is why we are working collaboratively with Forbes Shire Council to help lock in better water security,” Ms Fenton said.
“New infrastructure is the key to putting towns like Forbes in a stronger position to manage critical town water supply during a drought emergency.
“It’s great to see shovels in the ground, and I look forward to seeing it cross the finish line to help put the community on the front foot when the next dry spell hits.”
Construction is expected to be completed by October 2027, providing Forbes with a more resilient and diversified water supply system ahead of future dry cycles.
Cr Miller said the funding partnership was critical to progressing the works.
“We are extremely grateful for the NSW Government investment which will help us get on with the job of finalising the project and boosting water security for our region,” she said.