10,000 signatures for Wee Waa Hospital petition

Last Thursday, members of the Wee Waa community and I took our fight to Sydney, setting up a stand in Martin Place to encourage NSW residents to sign the Save Wee Waa Hospital petition. It was great to see so many people with Wee Waa and Narrabri Shire connection turn up to support us. I am pleased to report we have now surpassed the 10,000-signature requirement for it to be debated in Parliament. However, the campaign welcomes further support, so please keep sending in petitions. We are expecting to present that petition to Parliament via Roy Butler and the Health Minister in Sydney in a couple of weeks’ time.

The CREATE Festival is now in full swing, celebrating local and regional artists with exhibitions, workshops, and events across the shire. It was great to see so many councillors at last Friday night’s opening, showing their support for our creative community. The launch was a spectacular success, featuring the largest Dreamcatcher the northwest has ever seen, crafted by the Namoi Women’s Shed. NarraBRIGHT is coming up on March 14, and this Friday marks the opening of the Wee Waa Arts And Cultural Centre three year birthday celebration and exhibition. Tickets are still available through the council’s website (search for CREATE) or Wee Waa Newsagency. There are events across the shire and I encourage you all to get to as many activities as you can.
Last week, I had the honour of presenting the 2025 Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize to Matilda Currey for her exceptional achievements in sport, academics, and community service.

Congratulations to Matilda and all the outstanding finalists.

Air scouring maintenance continues in Narrabri, with water supply interruptions limited to two hours per affected property. Please check on the council website or phone 6799 6866. These works are essential to maintain our water infrastructure.

The latest PFAS test results for Narrabri’s water supply remain below Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, confirming our water is safe to drink.

Infrastructure works continue across the shire. The ashes interment wall at Narrabri Lawn Cemetery is progressing, alongside general town maintenance and graffiti removal. Remote supervision signage is underway in Wee Waa. Gately Field irrigation upgrade began on March 3 and should take around four weeks, weather permitting. Some access restrictions will be in place, so residents are urged to follow signage. Clubhouse and amenities block upgrades are also on track.

Roadworks continue, with Stage 2 of the Lake Circuit Road upgrade ongoing. Access via Yarrie Lake Road remains closed, with detours via Nuable Road. Culgoora Road floodway works are progressing, with concrete poured for the causeway. Sealing on Pilliga Road and heavy patching on the Kamilaroi Highway continue, along with upgrades to Harparary Road. In Wee Waa, kerb and gutter replacement on Maitland Street and headstock work on Tullamullan Bridge are nearing completion. Gravel resheeting on Tulladunna Lane is ongoing.

Our next ordinary council meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 5.30 pm. This meeting is open to all residents, and I encourage everyone to attend. These meetings provide an opportunity to hear about key issues, projects, and decisions that affect our community. Your input is always valued, and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

The latest forecasts indicate significant rainfall across the shire this weekend. As always, please observe road closure signage. During the last major flood event, some trucks attempted to use closed dirt roads, resulting in bogging and considerable damage. Of course, flooded causeways and creeks can be extremely dangerous. Please take every precaution, drive safely, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.