Community efforts making a real difference to town reservoir level

Over the past few weeks, I know water restrictions have been difficult for many people in the Narrabri township, particularly during periods of extreme heat. I want to begin by acknowledging that this has not been easy.

Access to water is something we all rely on every day, and any change to how we use it has real impacts on households, families and businesses.

What is important for people to know is that the efforts of the community are already making a real difference. Yesterday, the Namoi Street Reservoir level was sitting at around 95 per cent, which shows what can be achieved when a community pulls together and takes collective responsibility.

Level four water restrictions were introduced because demand was exceeding supply of water which meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. In simple terms, our reservoirs were dropping rather than refilling, which is not sustainable, particularly during hot weather when indoor water use increases for cooling, showers and general hygiene. These restrictions are designed to reduce outdoor water use so essential indoor use can continue safely.

Thanks to the genuine effort shown by residents across the township, council staff have now been able to announce a slight easing of the restrictions. Residents are exempted to allow watering with sprinklers between 7 pm and midnight each day. As part of this easing, the Narrabri town splash pad has also reopened and is operating daily from 12 noon to 6 pm, providing a safe and sensible way for families to cool off during the hottest part of the day. These changes help maintain a careful balance between demand and supply while still protecting the overall system. Council staff will continue to monitor the situation.

Our current water supply is relying heavily on the Elizabeth Street bore, which is PFAS-free and feeding water back into the system.

For many years, Narrabri operated successfully with three functioning bores. Unfortunately, one of those bores has now been permanently shut down due to high PFAS levels. This is not a council decision but a requirement under New South Wales health and water regulations. Another bore has shown low traces of PFAS, and in addition council has approval from the NSW government to mix that water with supply from the Elizabeth Street bore so that all water remains within national safety guidelines.

I have had a number of residents suggest that council should simply use all three bores. That is not possible. One of our bores breaches NSW water regulations and cannot be used, and council will not compromise the health of our community by supplying water that exceeds PFAS limits. In NSW, allowable PFAS levels are governed by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, set by the National Health and Medical Research Council, and Narrabri Shire Council is bound to follow them.

I also want to address suggestions that council divert the $7 million allocated for the Violet Street Bridge to fix our water system. Unfortunately, this is not possible. That funding is provided specifically for the bridge, with $5 million from the Federal government and NSW government, and it is legally restricted to use on that project only. It cannot be redirected to other purposes. The Violet Street Bridge is also an important piece of infrastructure for our community and the wider region.

In terms of water security, council has been actively progressing solutions. Last year, a larger pump was installed at the Elizabeth Street bore, increasing the amount of water that can be fed into the system.

A new bore is currently being progressed and is now in the flow and water quality testing phase, which involves strict regulatory approvals. Importantly, the NSW government only signed the $4 million funding deed for the portable water treatment plant just before Christmas.

Since then, council has moved quickly, with the project heading to tender in March. The successful tenderer is expected on site by June, with construction anticipated to take around six months.
Once the treatment plant is operating, we can expect a much higher quality of water, not just through the removal of PFAS, but also improvements to overall water quality and, hopefully, the taste of our drinking water.

This is about managing water sensibly during peak conditions while longer-term solutions are delivered. Council is monitoring the situation daily and will reduce restrictions as soon as conditions allow.

Moving to some positive news, last Monday we had the pleasure of celebrating outstanding members of our community at the Narrabri Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards.

It was an honour to recognise residents who contribute so much to our shire, as well as to welcome eight new Australian citizens who have chosen to make our community their home.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Australia Day celebrations in Wee Waa, which were a wonderful reflection of local pride and community spirit.

My sincere thanks go to the volunteers, council staff and the talented local musicians whose efforts helped make the day such a success and ensured the celebrations were enjoyed by all.

Please stay safe and as always please look out for those around us who might struggle during this hot weather.