Minns government sinks Wilcannia weir

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey (with dog) met with Wilcannia residents in 2025 to inspect the historic weir which is desperately in need of replacement – from left – Bill Elliott, Graeme McCrabb, Michael Kennedy, Justin McClure, Jamie Chaffey, Jack Davies, Julie McClure and Arthur Davies. Photo TWH

The NSW government has abandoned the promised and long-awaited Wilcannia Weir replacement project.

On Friday, NSW Water Minister, Rose Jackson issued a statement to 2WEB saying that the NSW government had ‘made the difficult decision to pause work on a replacement weir in Wilcannia’, after the Commonwealth Government confirmed it was unable to commit further funds to the project.

Late on Friday, Central Darling Shire Council’s Chairman Bob Stewart issued a statement saying that the Wilcannia community was ‘extremely disappointed’ that the weir project had been put on hold.

Mr Stewart said that he would be issuing a community invitation to the Minister to visit Wilcannia and explain the decision and future actions.

“We need to ensure that the weir project goes ahead,” he said. “This weir has been needed for more than three decades for critical human water supply, and the community needs to fully understand the costings being quoted,” Mr Stewart said.

Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke told The Western Herald that the decision is a betrayal of a community that has fought for more than three decades to secure a safe, reliable and drought-proof water supply. […]

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