Watering times exemption introduced to restrictions following end of daylight saving

A watering times exemption is now in place until August 31, 2026, enabling Narrabri township residents to water their gardens from 4pm to 9am (instead of 7pm to 7am).

While Level 3 Water Restrictions remain in place, the exemption recognises the end of daylight saving and the needs of the community when it comes to outside watering. Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens said Council had listened to concerns from the community regarding watering times and shorter daylight hours.

“Understandably, our community, particularly older residents, are finding it difficult to water their gardens and lawns with daylight saving ending,” Cr Tiemens said. “We have heard the concerns of residents having to water in the dark and recognise that this is not ideal.

“This exemption will ensure residents have more daylight to keep up their outside watering, while also balancing our responsibility as a water utility.”

Cr Tiemens emphasised that while the watering times exemption has been introduced, Level 3 Water Restrictions remain in place.

“We still need to make sure we use water wisely and follow the restrictions, even as we head into the cooler months,” he said.

“As per the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Narrabri is currently classified as Drought Affected. So responsible water use by everyone remains essential.”

Council’s general manager Eloise Chaplain said the watering exemption follows careful monitoring of the supply and demand of water.

“While the hot weather has eased and we are seeing a drop in water demand on our system, we still need to remain vigilant,” Mrs Chaplain said.

“We continue to rely heavily on the Elizabeth Street bore to supply our water, despite the supplementation of water to the bore from the Tibbereena Street bore. “Council will continue to monitor water use, with the view to review any exemptions and restrictions in August, leading into spring and the warmer months.”

Mrs Chaplain said that good progress was being made on current water security projects.

“A licence application to modify Narrabri’s Town Water Access Licence to include the Saleyards bore has been submitted and is under assessment by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

“When the modification is approved, council will move to construct the headworks infrastructure on the bore head and connect it to the Namoi Reservoirs.”

The portable water treatment plant project is also moving ahead. “Tender preparation is now in progress for the project, with the expectation council will go out for tender in the coming fortnight,” Mrs Chaplain said. “We will provide a more detailed timeline for the project upon successful selection of the tender.”

For full details on Level 3 Water Restrictions, visit council’s website or follow Narrabri Shire Council on social media.