The 12-kilometre pipeline would transfer surplus water from Lake Rowlands, 10 kilometres south of Carcoar, to the larger Carcoar Dam, just minutes west of the village.

The former is operated by Central Tablelands Water, the latter by WaterNSW.

MAP: Where is Lake Rowlands …

According to Minister for Regional Water Niall Blair the pipeline would provide improved water security for Blayney, Carcoar and Canowindra, as well as water users within the Belubula Valley.

“The Lachlan Valley was severely impacted by the millennium drought and its enclosed water sources mean water security and reliability can drop dramatically during dry periods, as we are currently seeing at the moment,” Mr Blair said.

“We know how precious water supply in the Lachlan Valley is and we want to make sure the community has a secure and reliable water supply in the future.

Mr Blair said the next step in the process was to deliver a business case to explore the engineering and design elements, environmental considerations and estimated cost of the project.

“This announcement is part of a broader Lachlan Valley Water Security Study which will be announced in the coming weeks,” he said.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the Lachlan Valley – which covers an area of around 90,000 square kilometres – had been crying out for long-term solutions, and this was the next step in ensuring water security for the region.

“From a single water supply, it supports a number of urban centres, agriculture and industry, and key environmental assets,” Mr Toole said.

“We’re looking to this region’s future by exploring long-term water security solutions for the communities, irrigators, farmers and the environment.”