Strong sense of momentum across the Narrabri Shire

As we move further into 2026, there is already a strong sense of momentum across Narrabri Shire. The early months of the year are always a time of renewed focus, with council progressing projects, maintaining essential services, and responding to the practical needs of our community.

A recent highlight for me was the opportunity to present the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize together with David Willetts, Lillian Hulbert’s grandson. This award remains one of the most meaningful acknowledgements of youth achievement within our district and continues to recognise the exceptional calibre of young people emerging from our region.

Established in 2007 by Thomas Whipp Hulbert in memory of his late mother, Lillian Hulbert, the prize recognises a young person aged between 15 and 18 who was born within 55 kilometres of the Narrabri Post Office and has demonstrated outstanding achievement through bravery, charitable work, academic excellence, or sporting success. The recipient receives $10,000, invested and held in trust until they turn 21. The prize is a thoughtful contribution toward the recipient’s future and a lasting tribute to Mrs Hulbert’s legacy.

This year’s finalists were of an exceptionally high standard. Each participant undertook a rigorous interview process requiring confidence, reflection, and maturity. Elizabeth Faris was named this year’s recipient, with her achievements spanning community service, academic excellence, and sport.

Importantly, the other finalists: Ashley Grace Morris, Maxine O’Connor, and Alistair Dowdell were also very impressive. Their dedication, leadership, and contribution reflect extremely well on themselves, their families, and our wider community.

Narrabri Shire Council remains honoured to administer this prize on behalf of the Hulbert family, and I thank both the family representatives and the selection committee for their ongoing commitment.

Across the organisation, council staff have returned to a full program of works following the Christmas period. Infrastructure delivery, maintenance, planning, regulatory functions, and community services continue to form the backbone of council’s daily operations. While much of this work happens quietly, it directly affects the liveability, safety, and functionality of our towns and villages.

Planning and development activity remains steady, reflecting continued investment and confidence in our region. Development assessments and compliance responsibilities are essential to ensuring growth occurs responsibly and in line with community expectations.

Residents are reminded that council’s bulky waste collection will take place from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6 across Narrabri Shire towns and villages. This important service assists households in disposing of larger unwanted items responsibly while helping to reduce illegal dumping. Residents are asked to place items neatly on the kerb by Sunday, March 1 and sort materials into the designated categories. Proper preparation improves safety and efficiency for collection crews.

Water security and quality continue to receive significant attention. Council’s PFAS monitoring program remains ongoing, guided by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and supported by independent laboratory testing. The latest results from Namoi Reservoir show PFAS levels below current guidelines, confirming that Narrabri’s town water supply remains compliant.

Testing of the Elizabeth Street bore returned results showing no detection of PFAS. The Tibbereena Street bore remains below or at guideline levels and continues to supplement supply. The Killarney bore remains offline as a precautionary measure. Council staff remain hopeful that we can move to a lower water restriction level, however, this will require at least two weeks of stability in our supply with overall storage levels maintained at or above 70 per cent across the system.

I am pleased with the progress council staff are making in securing additional safe water sources in the Narrabri township. The new water bore is now in its final phases of testing and regulatory approvals. These processes are necessarily thorough given the strict requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. While this work takes time, the diligence is essential to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of our supply. The commissioning of the Portable Water Treatment Plant is also tracking well. Importantly, these investments will not only strengthen water security but are expected to deliver noticeable improvements in water quality. In the end, Narrabri will benefit from water that tastes better and is of a higher quality.

Beyond our shire, I have recently been speaking with fellow mayors across regional New South Wales. A consistent concern has emerged. Councils across the regions are experiencing a severe reduction in infrastructure and other grant funding from both federal and state governments.

This trend is deeply concerning. Regional local government areas such as Narrabri Shire are central contributors to the national economy. Our farmers, businesses, and industries generate substantial economic output, export revenue, taxation, and GST. Governments must remember that a significant portion of the nation’s wealth is derived from regional communities, and that the taxes and levies generated here should translate into fair and equitable investment in regional infrastructure and services.

Reliable roads, water security, telecommunications, and community infrastructure are not luxuries. They are productivity enablers that support agriculture, freight, business, and daily life.

As we approach the upcoming federal and state budgets, I strongly urge both treasurers not to forget the regions. Regional Australia does not seek special treatment. It seeks fair recognition of its contribution and reasonable support to ensure industries and communities can continue operating efficiently and effectively.