Gilgandra water bore investigations nearing completion
The Water Bore Legacy Project, led by Gilgandra Shire Council and funded by Inland Rail, is well advanced with drilling of the last exploratory bore hole to start in weeks.
July 18, 2022
The project, which started in March, is investigating water sources at four potential bore sites: Curban Hall, Wyuna Road, Box Ridge Road and Old Mill Road in the Gilgandra Shire. Its objective is to maximise water availability for all users while Inland Rail is in construction.
Initial findings at the 260m Curban Hall bore site are positive, according to the project team.
“Preliminary results from a pump test show a decent yield, potentially better than most of the existing shallower aquifer bores in the area,” said Randall Medd, project manager at Gilgandra Shire Council.
“The water quality is also likely to be suitable for construction, stock and domestic purposes.”
Once all four sites are tested for water quality, volume and flows and the data reviewed, Council will make the information available to the community and seek input on long-term bore viability.
At the same time, the project team will start the approvals phase to secure water licences and seek consent for construction of permanent bore infrastructure. The final step will be to install water pumps and connect services.
Access to sustainable water supplies is a key issue for the Gilgandra community and this Inland Rail-funded project is a direct outcome of community consultation undertaken in 2020.
When Inland Rail construction begins, our project teams will use the new bores to reduce the volume of water drawn from existing supplies. Once the Narromine to Narrabri section is complete, Inland Rail will turn the bores over to the Council to improve water access for the community going forward.
We’re pleased to help Gilgandra Shire Council realise its vision to share long-term water usage benefits with the community and to be leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.
View a recent Prime7 news story covering the Gilgandra water bores project.
IMAGE: Bore drill at Mount Tenandra
