Water security in Molong has been boosted with the announcement of $960,000 grant funding for bores.
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NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said in Molong on Wednesday the development of an existing bore and the drilling of two new bores could also provide water to other towns in the Cabonne Shire.
It came as a further $800,000 from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund was announced for projects in Cabonne.
They include $266,019 for the Yeoval Recreation Precinct masterplan, $169,433 for lighting upgrades at the Dr Andrew Ross Memorial Recreation Ground in Molong, $138, 618 for the Cudal Tennis Club's multi-purpose sporting surface, $156,085 for the Cumnock P&C for the Cumnock Multi Purpose Precinct and $79,119 for The Canowindra Golf Club's playground and outdoor Function Area upgrade.
Since the end of February, the council has been relying on water from Orange.
- Sam Farraway, NSW Upper House MP
Mr Farraway said Molong residents had historically relied on Molong Dam for water but due to the drought it had largely dried up.
"Since the end of February, the council has been relying on water from Orange, which is being supplied via a recently completed pipeline," he said.
"The council acted quickly to complete the pipeline project and protect water security for its smaller towns.
"The water from Orange comes at an extra cost to the community of Molong and part of the NSW Government's funding is provided to temporarily reduce this burden.
"To further reduce the cost to the community, Cabonne Council has developed a plan to provide a longer-term solution for the residents and businesses of the area by improving access to groundwater.
"The council has proposed the development of an existing bore and the drilling and development of two new bores, which will be connected to the water treatment plant and potentially supply around 40 percent of Molong's water needs.
The NSW government is committing in total $960,000 from the Emergency Drought Relief funding program to both phases of this project.
Cabonne Shire mayor Cr Kevin Beatty said it was great news.
"With dam levels historically low, funding for water security measures such as this will set the community in good stead to withstand the effects of drought well into the future."
"Council staff have been working hard for many months to find suitable alternative water supply solutions and it is gratifying to see the project supported by [Water Minister Melinda Pavey] with funding from the NSW Government."
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