A mysterious pipe connected to nowhere serves as a glaring reminder of a failed government project in NSW. 

An ambitious plan, aimed at drought-proofing the town of Nyngan’s water supply, has left the community in turmoil and its coffers depleted.

Nyngan, a town heavily reliant on farming and mining industries, was slated to be connected to a bore water source as a crucial backup during droughts. 

However, the project suffered a setback when its cost skyrocketed by $4.7 million over the initial budget of $4 million. 

With insufficient funds, construction ground to a halt, leaving a pipe extending aimlessly into the air.

Frustrated and desperate for a resolution, residents have turned to their state government for answers, but have been met with silence. 

The government has yet to provide any assurance that the remaining funds will be allocated to complete the project, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty and dismay.

The Department of Planning and Environment, which oversaw the grants program responsible for funding the ill-fated project, admitted that the program had exhausted its financial resources. 

In a statement, a department spokesperson expressed regret over the situation, stating that the council had been informed in early March about the program's depletion.

More details are accessible here.