The $5 million stormwater harvesting project will see urban stormwater runoff from urban areas captured in a series of catchment ponds and then be piped to the Macquarie River to be treated and used to supplement the town water supply.

Bathurst Regional Council voted in February to compulsorily acquire a section of Crown land on the banks of the Macquarie River along River Road to allow an easement for the pipe.

But when Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) that had identified their interest in the project were shown the plan, a number of concerns were raised.

The major issue was that part of the planned route, on the northern side of the river, passed through an area of land linked to the Potato Paddock Massacre of 1824.

That incident sparked a number of revenge attacks by local Wiradyuri groups, led by the warrior Windradyne, and ultimately led to the declaration of martial law that resulted in the deaths of many more Wiradyuri people.

In a letter to the RAPs, however, council has acknowledged the sensitivity of the area and confirmed a new route has been found.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

The new pipeline route follows the road reserve of Stewart and Stanley streets and will cross the river through an underbore upstream of the Hereford Street bridge.

"Both council and its heritage advisers believe these modifications to the alignment will greatly reduce the potential for harm on the key identified social and cultural values in this area," the letter states.

"It is anticipated that this route realignment will add approximately $800,000 to the project cost, however, council have agreed to make these changes in good faith and in the interest of reducing impact on areas of social and cultural values identified by some of the Registered Aboriginal Parties."

News of the re-routing comes as council prepares to consider a report at its monthly meeting on Wednesday that highlights some of the steps taken by council to "respect, protect and promote the region's Aboriginal heritage assets".

The report by general manager David Sherley outlines council's consultation with local Aboriginal groups on a number of projects including the stormwater harvesting, Kelso industrial park, Bridle Track realignment and playground upgrade at McPhillamy Park.

It acknowledges the receipt of emergency declarations in relation to council's plans to build a go-kart track in McPhillamy Park at the top of Mount Panorama, claiming the site to be an area of Aboriginal significance.

Council is still awaiting a determination on the declarations from the minister but had agreed not to undertake any new work on the go-kart track before the end of November.