SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR RESOURCES
The people of Wilcannia have needed a new weir for 30 years… and they are still waiting.
Federal Member for Parkes and Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture Jamie Chaffey last week met with community representatives in Wilcannia to hear first-hand about their long battle to secure sustainable water for Wilcannia.
“It has been many years since the immediate need for a new weir was recognised in the remote north-western New South Wales town of Wilcannia,” Mr Chaffey said.
“The community has patiently worked with successive state 
and federal governments through consultation and design, through delays and sudden changes of direction. A design was agreed on in 2022, then cancelled and replaced with one that was unacceptable to the Wilcannia community in 2023, without consultation.
“The cost has now ballooned out and is likely to be in excess of $100 million, but the project is critical for this community. Access to water is essential and the river is Wilcannia’s lifeline.
“I am calling on the New South Wales Government to come clean and commit to a design that is acceptable to the community, to a start date and an outcome, and I will be seeking a commitment from Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt to make up the shortfall in project funding. The New South Wales Government has committed $70 million, and the Labor Governm
ent needs to produce the promised $15 million and any other funds that might be needed.”
Barkandji man Michael Kennedy said it was time to get the weir underway.
“We need that water and the joy it brings to our community,” Mr Kennedy said. “It’s a proven fact that when the river is up, crime is down.
“Our Barkandji people are river people. We feel the river spiritually. W
hen the river is down, we see sadness and depression in the community. We just need to get it done.”
Grazier Justin McClure said the weir was vital to Wilcannia’s future.
“I think it’s critical to the prosperity and well being of the Wilcannia community and the Central Darling Shire,” he said. “It will be the catalyst for the next 100 years and is critical to the very existence of Wilcannia.
“As we look at the impact of global warming and potentially less flow in our system, it is going to have a big effect on the Barkandji people. Our river is our lifeline.”
Mr Chaffey said the people of Wilcannia – like any other Australians – deserved access to safe and sustainable water, both in good years and in times of drought.
“Millions have already been committed to this project, and it seems all of it has gone into studies and consultation,” he said. “None of it has brought one extra drop of water to Wilcannia or any peace of mind for the future.
“It’s high time to get this project done.”
Caption: Federal Member for Parkes and Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture Jamie Chaffey (fifth from right) with concerned community members (from left) Bill Elliott, Graeme McCrabb, Michael Kennedy, Justin McClure, Jack Davies, Julie McClure and Arthur Davies.
Media Contact: Marie Low – marie.low@aph.gov.au