Laffing Waters Project Progresses as Construction Contractor Appointed

Published on 28 September 2026

Council has appointed Devcon Civil Pty Ltd as its construction contractor for the foundational infrastructure of the future Laffing Waters Master Plan development precinct.

Council adopted the Laffing Waters Master Plan in 2019 to support the development of a key urban growth area in Bathurst's northeast. The initiative gained momentum following Council securing a $20 million grant in late 2024 from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (Restart NSW).

Mayor Ben Fry commented on the positive impact this development will have as it supports the future planned growth of our regional city.

“This $20 million grant came directly from the NSW Government’s push to get more housing into the system, and we know Bathurst needs that supply. Laffing Waters will unlock thousands of future homes, and that is important for affordability, choice and the continued growth of the city.

“Housing cannot be considered in isolation though; more homes mean more cars, more demand on roads, bridges, water, sewer and community infrastructure, and Council is very aware of that. We know parts of the existing road network will need to be upgraded as this precinct grows. Our own planning already identifies future widening of Hereford Street, additional bridge capacity across the Macquarie River and associated intersection and road upgrades.

“So, there are really two jobs in front of us at once: get the housing supply moving, because the community needs it, and make sure the infrastructure that supports those homes moves with it. One cannot be allowed to run too far ahead of the other,” said Mayor Fry.

The Laffing Waters Master Plan guides future development to create a sustainable and liveable community to house close to 3,000 new homes in the northeast sector of Bathurst.

To ensure this project is delivered on time and to a quality standard, Council has engaged construction contractors Devcon Civil Pty Ltd; Mayor Fry noted their team offer expertise in the construction and delivery of large-scale civil infrastructure and land development projects.

“The State Government has made a substantial investment to accelerate housing at Laffing Waters, and Council has a responsibility to use that opportunity well. That means building the precinct properly, as has commenced by our appointed contractors Devcon Civil, staging growth sensibly and continuing to pursue the transport infrastructure the eastern side of Bathurst will need.

“Growth is welcome, but good growth is planned growth,” said Mayor Fry.

This first stage of the project will deliver construction of drainage and wastewater infrastructure, drinking water infrastructure, widening and rehabilitation of existing roadways and intersections, new roadways including intersections, bulk earthworks and the provision of essential utilities within the Laffing Waters precinct.

Bulk earthworks commenced in late August, with the timeframe for construction completion being approximately 12 months.

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au