Water is precious to all of us: Mayor

Last week was one of the biggest weeks in recent memory for our general manager and the entire water services team at Narrabri Shire Council.

The move to level four water restrictions was not taken lightly, but it was the responsible course of action to protect our community’s water supply. I want to publicly acknowledge the tremendous effort put in by our general manager and her staff, who worked around the clock to manage a complex and stressful situation. Their professionalism and commitment to ensuring the town’s water security have been outstanding.

Our reservoir is now around 80 per cent full — well within the normal operating range. That result reflects both the skill of our water team and the cooperation of residents who have reduced usage. Simple measures—shorter showers, checking for leaks, and limiting outdoor watering—are making a difference.

Two of our three bores continue to return PFAS levels above the Australian drinking water guidelines, however, we have been granted permission by NSW Health to utilise the Tibbereena Street bore for periods of time when required to maintain a suitable supply level.

I want to be clear that our staff are working with experts in this field and are ensuring that the volume of water added from Tibbereena bore does not raise the PFAS levels of the water in our reservoir above the Australian drinking water guidelines, meaning our water remains safe to use.

Last week, I spoke with a PFAS expert from the University of New South Wales who has examined water systems across Australia. He said Narrabri’s PFAS levels are quite low compared with other areas. Still, our challenge is that two of our three bores exceed the Australian drinking water guidelines leaving us heavily dependent on one bore.

This is not a situation limited to Narrabri Shire, nor is it confined to council bores. PFAS has affected both public and private bores in different parts of our state. PFAS contamination is a statewide legacy issue requiring coordinated, government-led solutions.

I note that a few people have jumped on this issue and claimed it is linked to farmers drilling bores, or to gas wells or coal mines. Speaking to experts on the subject matter, it is apparent that it is highly unlikely that these are the sources of this contamination.

The NSW Parliament has undertaken an enquiry into the source of PFAS contamination in waterways and drinking water supplies throughout New South Wales. The final report was presented to the government in September and we eagerly await their response due to be presented in December.

PFAS is a complex chemical, and there are still many unanswered questions about its effects. It has been used in a range of products over the years, including historically in firefighting foam (it has not been present in firefighting foam for more than a decade).

As a forever chemical finding and removing the source of PFAS is difficult, hence why we are pushing a treatment plant instead of the removal of the PFAS at the source of the water.

For almost a year, council has raised this matter with the NSW government. We have consistently warned that without forward planning and proper support, towns like ours would face this exact situation. However, despite our requests for a transition period and financial support, the government chose to proceed with implementing the new guidelines knowing exactly what position it would put us in.

At the same time, council has committed hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past ten months to exploring new water sites, conducting continual PFAS testing, engaging with water and hydrology experts, and navigating the many layers of complexity and bureaucracy. Our staff and consultants have done an exceptional job identifying options and maintaining transparency with both government and the community.

Water Minister Rose Jackson has been supportive and has assured us that the NSW government will stand behind Narrabri Shire as we work through both the immediate and long-term challenges. Her willingness to engage has been appreciated by council and the community. That said, I have also expressed disappointment at the lack of urgency within some senior ranks of government departments. Our water staff have been doing the heavy lifting for eleven months, meeting regularly with public servants, providing detailed updates, and sharing all available data.

The idea that the government was unaware of the problem is simply untrue. Narrabri Shire has been transparent and consistent every step of the way.

Council has issued numerous media releases, published regular Facebook updates, and tabled findings with state politicians and inquiries.

Our staff have been praised repeatedly for their openness and professionalism, and rightly so. It is frustrating to hear any suggestion that this problem has come as a surprise. Our water teams have been honest, diligent, and proactive from the start.

I also want to acknowledge our local member, Roy Butler, who has jumped on board to step up the pressure on the NSW government. His support has been valuable. The solution cannot come from one level of government alone—it requires genuine partnership to fix the issue and deliver lasting solutions.

Incremental fixes and emergency measures will only go so far. The only way to guarantee long-term reliability and resilience for Narrabri’s town water supply is through a modern water treatment plant.

Such a facility would allow us to treat and manage water from all bores, ensuring a safe and consistent supply regardless of conditions or contamination concerns. Council is committed to advocating strongly for this outcome and working with the Minister’s office to make it happen.

In the meantime, the new pump for the Elizabeth Street bore will soon be installed, boosting capacity and providing some breathing room. The Tibbereena Street bore remains available as a backup. Council’s operational staff continue to monitor the system closely, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. I could not be prouder of how our team has performed under pressure.

Elsewhere across the shire, this Thursday’s Gwabegar Flood Study community information session begins at 10am at the Community Hall, and all residents are welcome.

October is also Small Business Month, with events and workshops showcasing the resilience and creativity that define our local enterprises.

A few quick reminders: transfer stations are for household quantities only; the annual Chemical CleanOut is on Saturday, November 1, from 8am to 11am; and nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards close at 5pm on Friday, October 31.

Please also remember to observe CBD parking limits in all our towns during these busy shopping periods leading up to Christmas.

The general manager and I will continue to update you through the next few weeks as news becomes available.