New $3M depot at The Rock to support Riverina Water's regional customers into the future

Nov 05, 2026

Riverina Water has officially opened its new $3 million depot at The Rock.

The depot serves as Riverina Water's base for customers in the south of its supply area; including those in Lockhart Shire, Greater Hume and Federation Councils.

Member for Wagga Wagga, The Hon. Dr Joe McGirr MP, opened the depot on 5 November 2026 with Riverina Water Chief Executive Officer Andrew Crakanthorp and Chairperson Cr Gail Driscoll.

The project was delivered within its $3.28 million approved budget, with a final contract value of around $3 million.

The site has around 966 square metres of new buildings; made up of a warehouse, a workshop and an office.
Mr Crakanthorp said the new depot will support Riverina Water's regional and rural communities into the future.

"Our southern communities are growing quickly, and our services need to keep up,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This depot keeps our people, vehicles and equipment close to the customers they look after - with more resources and supplies on hand to ensure the safe and reliable supply of drinking water.

“It’s a modern, practical facility, and our crews have been looking forward to moving in.”

Cr Driscoll is Deputy Mayor of Lockhart Shire who lives in The Rock and said the Board is committed to delivering quality services right across Riverina Water's 15,000 square kilometre supply area.

“This is a significant investment in the south of our supply area,” Cr Driscoll said.

“Delivering it within budget is a good outcome for every customer who pays a water bill.

“It shows we’re spending carefully while still planning for growth.”

Construction commenced on 20 October 2025, and achieved practical completion on 14 October 2026, within one year of commencement.

More than 200 people were inducted on site during the build. Together, they worked around 9,471 hours.
The construction required approximately 250 cubic metres of concrete (approximately 600 tonnes), which was delivered in about 40 truckloads. The external walls comprise 15 precast concrete tilt-up panels. In addition, the project utilised 35-45 tonnes of steel and 6400 face bricks. 

Riverina Water managed delivery of the project, and Joss Group was the construction contractor.

Lockhart Shire Council installed a new stormwater main, which runs from the depot boundary to an open channel across the road, and provided support to the project.

Mr Crakanthorp thanked everyone involved.

“A project like this takes a lot of people working well together,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“I want to thank the crews who built this depot. They put in more than 9,400 hours on site, and their hard work shows in the quality of the finished facility.”