Central Tablelands Water and Melinda Pavey MP have announced $100,000 in funding to complete a feasibility study into a reliable water source for residents in Caragabal and the surrounding district.
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Central Tablelands Water has welcomed the announcement which came after Minister for Water, Property and Housing Ms Pavey confirmed the funding.
According to Central Tablelands Water general manager Gavin Rhodes the funding has become available through the NSW Government's emergency response to the drought in regional and rural NSW.
"For a number of years now the Caragabal community have been lobbying various levels of government for access to a reliable water supply," Mr Rhodes said.
"As the regional water supply authority for the Weddin Shire Council local government area, CTW has welcomed the opportunity of supporting the Caragabal community to undertake a feasibility study into potentially providing a reliable water supply."
Mr Rhodes believes that though it has taken some time for the funding to be approved it is thanks to Weddin Shire Council and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke advocating for the village that the announcement has finally been made.
"It has taken quite some time to secure government funding for this important study, however, with the support of the village's local member, Ms Steph Cooke MP, Weddin Shire Council, and the Caragabal community, it just goes to show that persistence, perseverance and patience does pay off," he said.
According to Mr Rhodes the feasibility study will establish an appropriate longer-term water security option for the community of Caragabal and assess the community's willingness and capacity to pay for the preferred option.
A community meeting regarding the feasibility study was to be held on Thursday 19 March 2020 at the Caragabal Memorial Hall but has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
All Caragabal residents and landowners within the village of Caragabal and district are invited to attend the meeting and ask any questions they may have.
Mr Rhodes said the feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of May 2020.
Central Tablelands Water currently provides safe to drink water to approximately 15,000 consumers in 14 towns and villages across Weddin, Blayney, Cabonne and Cowra Shire Council areas.