Water from the Murray River will be pumped all the way to Broken Hill as part of a $500 million investment to provide a “safe and secure water supply” for the outback town, the Baird government said.
A 270-kilometre pipeline will account for the bulk of the funding.The government considered 18 other options, including buying back water rights for the more proximate Darling River from giant cotton farms in Queensland.
“Water security has been a constant challenge for Broken Hill since it was founded in 1883,” NSW Premier Mike Baird said in a statement. “This unprecedented investment will provide a reliable water source for the historic township and surrounding communities for the first time in history. Read More…