Narrabri Shire welcomes government’s response to Select Committee on PFAS

Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the NSW government’s response to recommendations from the Select Committee into PFAS Contamination in Waterways and Drinking Water Supplies Throughout New South Wales.

Of the supported recommendations, council has been proactively actioning at least three since December 2024, particularly regular PFAS testing of water across New South Wales (recommendation one), data relating to PFAS is easily searchable, accessible and as easy to understand as possible (recommendation two), and the formal adoption of standards for the levels of PFAS chemicals in drinking water and designate the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as minimum standards in New South Wales (recommendation three).

Council regularly undertakes PFAS testing of the Namoi Reservoir in line with the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure water supplied to residents is safe to consume.

The most recent testing results on November 27 showed PFAS levels as below current guidelines, meaning that the Narrabri town water supply continues to be safe for consumption.

Information regarding PFAS (including current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines), FAQs and all testing results are available on council’s website.

Council has supported and assisted the NSW government to conduct private bore screening programs in Narrabri in November and May this year.

Council has welcomed the NSW government support for recommendation 12 – that an independent person or panel determine the financial impact of PFAS contamination on local water utilities (including water testing and monitoring as well as treatment).

“However, council would have preferred the government support (rather than simply note) recommendation 13 – that the NSW government urgently allocate sufficient funding to local water utilities including for ongoing PFAS testing and monitoring of water, as well as treatment,” an update from council read.

“While council recognises the NSW government will consider funding avenues once the independent review is completed, Narrabri Shire would have liked a firm financial commitment for local water utilities, including councils, who are bearing the financial burden around PFAS monitoring, testing and treatment.

“This burden further has an impact on our community. Narrabri remains on Level 3 Water Restrictions as Council continues to carefully manage demand while the town operates on a single bore (Elizabeth Street bore).

“Council will only draw from the Tibbereena Street bore if absolutely necessary (and drinking water in Narrabri continues to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines).

“The Killarney bore remains switched off after testing in early July 2025 showed Namoi Reservoir levels slightly above current guidelines.

“Council is awaiting a funding deed to confirm the details of the $4 million in funding announced by the NSW Government last month before the installation of a portable water treatment plant can commence.”

In the interim, council staff are preparing an expression of interest and other documentation to ensure the project can start progressing as soon as possible.

The full NSW government Response to the Select Committee is available from the Parliament of NSW website.