Recent flooding in late March has had a serious impact on public infrastructure right across our shire.
Council welcomes the recent announcement of disaster assistance from the state and federal governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
This funding is vital to help our communities recover and repair damaged roads, bridges, and other public assets.
Our teams have already begun condition assessments to support restoration works, which will be rolled out in stages—starting with emergency safety measures and progressing to long-term repairs.
In other positive news, the latest PFAS testing results confirm that Narrabri’s town water supply remains safe to drink.
The April results again showed levels well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Council will continue monthly testing and keep the community informed.
NSW Health has also encouraged residents using private bores to consider independent groundwater testing, and information on how to do this is available on their website.
Mount Kaputar National Park is still temporarily closed while emergency roadworks are carried out.
National Parks and Council are working together to have it ready for the Easter long weekend. Please check council’s Facebook page or the National Parks website for the latest updates.
We are also reminding residents to stay alert around waterlogged areas across our shire and especially our roads, and to use Live Traffic NSW for updates on road closures.
Even though roads may look dry they can still be easily damaged by heavy machinery particularly when the water table is just below the road surface.
For local businesses and trades, now is a great time to engage with council.
We are calling for expressions of interest from casual trades and plant hire services throughout April and May.
In addition, quotations are now open for the relocation of the Boggabri Tennis Club and Red Cross buildings, including asbestos removal. More information is available via Vendor Panel and
council’s website.
Our libraries are hosting Teddy Bears’ Picnics these school holidays, with events scheduled in Bellata, Wee Waa, Gwabegar, and Boggabri.
These events are always a highlight for our youngest residents and their families, and I encourage everyone to head along.
It is federal election time and your councillors have been very meeting with politicians of all stripes to push for funding and support for priorities for our region.
In particular we have mentioned about the serious gap in our share of federal tax take compared to local governments decades ago.
Lastly, please note council’s operating hours across the Easter period. While waste and recycling services will continue, some facilities including libraries, the aquatic centre, and visitor information centre will close on key days. A full list of holiday hours is available on council’s website.
I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter, and thank residents once again for their patience and resilience as we continue the recovery process.
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