Two remote communities in far western New South Wales are set to benefit from state government funding aimed at improving water treatment operations and ensuring the long-term reliability of critical infrastructure.

Residents in Pooncarie and Euston will see upgrades to their water treatment facilities after Wentworth and Balranald Shire councils secured funding through the NSW Government's Advanced Operational Support program.

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton welcomed the announcement, describing it as positive news for communities that face unique challenges in maintaining essential water services.

Ms Dalton said it was "great news for residents in Pooncarie and Euston" that Wentworth and Balranald Shire councils "have received funding towards optimising water treatment operations that will extend the life of critical infrastructure, and ensure residents receive safe, high-quality drinking water now and into the future." T

he funding forms part of a two million dollar injection by the NSW Government to support eighteen regional councils in managing critical water infrastructure across the state.

The Advanced Operational Support initiative provides local water utilities with hands-on technical training to optimise existing water treatment plants and extend the lifespan of essential assets.

Water Minister Rose Jackson announced that the Minns Labor Government has invested more than ten million dollars into the program, including direct grants to local water utilities totalling over four million dollars. The initiative aims to build better regional communities with a dependable supply of quality drinking water. Under this phase of the program, participating councils including Wentworth and Balranald will benefit from engineering and technical support designed to give operators the tools and skills needed to improve water operations. The assistance is expected to help councils save tens of thousands of dollars annually while securing high-quality, reliable water supply for their communities.

For Pooncarie, located in the Wentworth Shire along the Darling River in the remote northern Lower Darling region, and Euston in Balranald Shire along the Murray River, the funding represents a significant investment in communities that often struggle with the high costs of maintaining water infrastructure across vast geographical areas. Regional councils in remote parts of New South Wales face particular challenges in delivering water services.

With small ratepayer bases but extensive areas to cover, many councils find it difficult to generate revenue sufficient to cover basic operational costs, let alone maintenance and upgrades.

The situation creates ongoing sustainability concerns for essential water and sewerage services.

The Advanced Operational Support program addresses these challenges by providing expert personnel, on-site assessment, advice, online monitoring solutions and training to optimise water plant operations.

The program helps operators improve their skills in treatment plant optimisation and effectively manage water quality issues.

The initiative includes implementing high-tech automated systems that enable councils to respond faster to potential water quality issues. This technological support is designed to reduce drinking water quality risks and improve public health and safety across regional New South Wales.

Ms Jackson emphasised the importance of the program for regional towns. She noted that regional towns need support to maximise the effectiveness of their water treatment plants and secure a clean, dependable water supply.

The minister explained that while infrastructure investment is important, on-the-ground operational support is equally valuable in empowering operators with the skills and knowledge needed to problem-solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities.

The Advanced Operational Support program is part of the broader Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional New South Wales in addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators.

The comprehensive program has worked with numerous regional councils and Aboriginal communities, contributing to significant water savings and improved service delivery.

For Wentworth Shire Council, which supplies both raw water for outdoor use and filtered water for household consumption to Pooncarie township residents, the funding will support ongoing efforts to maintain and optimise water treatment operations. Similarly, Balranald Shire Council, which services Euston, will benefit from the technical expertise and support provided through the program.

The announcement comes at a time when water security and quality remain critical issues for remote and regional communities, particularly in the context of a changing climate and increasing pressure on water resources. The funding reflects government recognition that regional and remote communities require targeted support to maintain essential water services. Ms Dalton, who has been a vocal advocate for improved infrastructure and services in rural and regional New South Wales, has consistently highlighted the importance of adequate water infrastructure for communities in her electorate.