Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project

About the project

The proposed Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project aims to improve water security and reliability and support a healthy river environment.

To achieve these aims, the department’s Water Group is investigating options aligned with the Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Water Strategy.

These include:

• a regional pipeline connecting Dubbo to Nyngan and other towns
• using some of Burrendong Dam’s flood mitigation storage to increase water supply
• a new weir to potentially replace Gin Gin Weir located between Warren and Narromine
• a limited number of other options identified in the regional water strategy.

For more information about the Macquarie Wambuul Water Security Project, download the November 2024 Fact Sheet PDF, 193.57 KB.

Project location

The Macquarie-Wambuul River system is part of the Macquarie-Castlereagh catchment in central west NSW, within the traditional lands of the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi, Ngemba, Ngiyampaa, Wailwan and Wiradjuri people.

The river flows from the Great Dividing Range near Bathurst, north-west past Wellington, Dubbo, Narromine and Warren to meet the Barwon River upstream of Brewarrina. It includes the Macquarie Marshes, an internationally significant wetlands area.

Project timeline

Project need

The Macquarie-Castlereagh region is experiencing more frequent and severe drought, increasing pressures on water security. There is a need to:

• improve town water security in the region
• deliver water more efficiently to high priority needs
• maintain environmental flows in the system, including to the Macquarie Marshes
• improve the drought resilience of industry, including meat processing and agriculture.

Project funding

The NSW and Australian Governments are jointly funding $9.35 million to deliver a final business case for the project, with the Australian Government contributing through the National Water Grid Fund.

The funding will allow the NSW Government to deliver a focussed options analysis. Detailed technical studies will include economic, engineering, cultural heritage and environmental assessments. The  Water Group will oversee this analysis and integrate stakeholder consultation to ensure the best infrastructure solutions are identified and progressed.

The outcomes of these studies and consultations will be included in the final business case, which will guide future funding decisions for the project by the NSW and Australian Governments. We are aiming to complete the final business case by early 2026.

Stakeholder engagement

We are committed to building and maintaining respectful, trusted and collaborative relationships with our communities and stakeholders to ensure water infrastructure projects achieve the best possible outcomes.

We will be offering opportunities for communities and stakeholders, including First Nations communities, to engage with us and provide feedback as we develop the final business case for the project.

Upcoming engagement opportunities will be highlighted on this project webpage and on the Water Group’s have your say page.