NSW Government leaves Cowra community high and dry over Wyangala

Published on 21 September 2023

In a recent decision that has sparked lively debate and raised questions about regional priorities, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced its decision to reject the proposed extension of the Wyangala Dam Wall near Cowra, NSW.

“How can $4 billion be spent on light rail in the city, but money can't be allocated for essential food and water security and flood mitigation in the Central West of NSW, which is crucial for regional growth and development?" Mayor Bill West said.

Mayor West further noted that while he was “very disappointed but not surprised by the decision”, he did acknowledge the Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, who has released the business case for the Wyangala Dam expansion.

“Moreover, the business case study suggested that the costs of the Wyangala Dam expansion outweighed the anticipated benefits. If expansion and growth continue as the case study says it will then perhaps it won’t outweigh the benefits?” he said.

“There will be droughts and floods again in the future and I believe this issue will be revisited after communities have suffered again,” said Mayor West.

The four major regional towns of Cowra, Parkes, Forbes, and Young are the driving force behind the region's economy, generating an impressive $6.73 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) in the 2020/21 COVID fiscal year alone. This thriving region capitalises on its strategic location in the geographic centre of NSW, benefiting from nationally significant rail and road corridors that promote further industry development.

Mayor West said, “this is despite the Lachlan Valley having the most insecure water supply of any catchment in NSW.”

“In the coming days and weeks we will go through the details of the released documentation to fully understand the reasoning but we don’t accept the price tag is too great,” said Cr West.

For more information visit the Cowra Shire Council website at www.cowracouncil.com.au or contact the Council on 02 6340 2000.