Triple-R Water Security Alliance calls for proper consultation

Narrabri is one of seven councils that have joined forces to call on the NSW government to “consult properly” before making changes to dam operations or river management.

The Triple-R Water Security Alliance is made up of seven councils; Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Central Darling Shires.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water had noted Tamworth is vulnerable to drought and will deplete its water if population or climate change make conditions worse.

Suggested plans and pipelines would ensure during times of drought, the city would not be left without water.

The alliance has concerns with multiple proposals that would take water from their communities, still remembering the harsh realities of the last drought.

Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens spoke on the banks of the Namoi River in Gunnedah last week, stating Tamworth deserves a “strong, reliable water supply” but not at the cost of water security for those downstream.

“[The alliance is] united by one clear message, that water security must be fair for everyone across regional New South Wales,” he said.

He commented that no one in the alliance disputed Tamworth’s need for reliable water supply, but reinforced it shouldn’t come at the cost of other communities.

Cr Tiemens described the Namoi, Barwon and Darling Rivers as a“single living system” in which what happens upstream will have a flow on effect.

“It would drain opportunity, it would drain wellbeing and it would drain confidence from communities that rely on these rivers to survive,” he said.

“Holding back more water in Keepit or Split Rock Dams or piping it east would be a short term fix with long term damage.”

He believes critical human needs for water means more for communities than what comes “out of the tap”.

“For us, it’s about water for households, water for industry, water for mental health, water for fishing, water for community life, for recreation, for indigenous culture, and the basic functioning of our towns,” he said.

During the harshest time of the last drought, Lake Keepit dropped to below 0.5 per cent, however, Cr Tiemens said its pipeline proposal would see the dam hold back eight per cent.

“[It] would extend the drought in places like Walgett, in places like Wee Waa, Narrabri, Gunnedah, and even further down into the Darling and the Barwon rivers,” he said.

“[Narrabri shire] are allowed to use river water for our town’s folk. We’ve had our own problems with water.”

He described the consultation with the department as “practically nothing”, having spoken with members and having met with the water minister.

“Without consulting with our communities, our affected communities including businesses, families, indigenous groups, and others is an outrage, and our communities will stand up for any form of water hold-back from out communities,” he said.

A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said no decision has been made and it will be taking feedback on board.

“The NSW government has been clear from the outset that prioritising town water supply for critical human needs and essential water services is always a priority,” the spokesperson said.

“That is why we are assessing a number of proposed options to shore up water security for Tamworth including:

$3 million Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for the Intervalley Pipelines and Off-River Storages Project

$6 million Full Business Case (FBC) for an Advanced Water Treatment Plant

Proposed changes to water sharing rules on the Cockburn River.

“No decisions have been made yet about whether any of these options will move ahead, and stakeholder consultation is essential in shaping any final decision to ensure we balance the water needs of the community, the economy and the environment.

“Earlier this year, we completed targeted consultation for the PBC and the FBC which included speaking to representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, as well as briefing Namoi Water and Peel Valley Irrigators.

“We also spoke with Walcha, Uralla, Liverpool and Narrabri Shire Councils to hear their perspectives.

“We have listened carefully to their feedback and are incorporating it into the business cases which are due for completion later this year.

“We also carried out consultation about the proposed changes to water sharing rules on the Cockburn River with affected licence holders, peak bodies and the community.

“No decisions have been made on the proposed water sharing plan changes, and we are taking all feedback on board.

“The NSW government will continue to keep local council and other stakeholders informed as these projects progress.”’