State government to provide assistance for PFAS-affected town water bores

The NSW government will provide financial assistance to remediate Narrabri’s town water supply after PFAS contamination was found in two of the three town water supply bores, says Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

“Since the Narrabri Shire Council first raised this issue with me at a face-to-face briefing on September 3, I have taken the matter up with the NSW government on behalf of the people of Narrabri and the council,” Mr Butler said.

“I have written to the Premier, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Water, and the Minister for Environment about my concerns regarding the lack of escalation by other involved agencies. This should have been sorted out some time ago.

“The scale and cost of tackling the water supply issues in Narrabri exceed the capacity and budget of nearly any council. Financial help and expertise from the NSW government are
necessary.”

After several phone calls and correspondence with the Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, the immediate action agreed upon is to install a larger pump that will double the flow rate from the Elizabeth Street bore, which is the only bore currently in use in Narrabri.

The next priority is to establish a secondary bore to secure the supply. Narrabri Shire Council is exploring several bore sites, the statement from Mr Butler’s office read. The other strategy being investigated is the treatment of river water. This could involve using a temporary treatment facility or a more permanent solution. The council holds river licences; the process of ensuring these licences will permit the taking of river water for domestic supply is currently underway.

“Something as obvious and vital as domestic supply to a community the size of Narrabri shouldn’t require my intervention as a local member to get action; it should already have been well progressed,” Mr Butler said. “I have not waited for correspondence from Narrabri Shire to escalate this issue to the highest possible level.

“Following a briefing with the Minister for Water, I asked her to contact the mayor of Narrabri Shire to allay concerns and reaffirm the assurances I have given the council that the NSW government will provide financial assistance to remediate the town’s water supply in Narrabri. That call between the mayor and minister occurred on Friday.”