Government responds to watersecurity concerns in Namoi catchment

The state’s water minister has responded to local councils’ concerns about potential impacts on the Namoi catchment if a pipeline linking Tamworth to Keepit or Split Rock dams were to proceed.

It is one of several options being floated to improve Tamworth’s water security, but the inter-valley pipeline concept has been met with widespread concern from the communities and industries that rely on the Namoi as their primary water source.

A letter from the minister, Rose Jackson, was tabled at Gunnedah Shire Council’s August meeting as elected members discussed water advocacy.

Through last year’s LGNSW Conference, Gunnedah Shire had moved a motion urging the NSW government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) not to supplement water supplies for local government areas by transferring water from catchments outside their boundaries, where such actions could compromise the water security of the source region.

“Instead, LGNSW advocates for the exploration and funding of alternative water solutions – such as the construction of new dams, advanced water recycling technologies, and other sustainable supply options,” the motion read.

Gunnedah Shire and neighbouring Narrabri Shire have both voiced concerns with the possibility of a pipeline connecting Tamworth to either Keepit Dam or Split Rock Dam.

The region’s peak water body, Namoi Water, also urged that the concept of a Tamworth inter-valley pipeline be abandoned. The plan was previously described as outdated and short-sighted.

Instead, Namoi Water said the only viable long-term solution for Tamworth’s water security is a pipeline from the Manning Valley to Chaffey Dam.

In her response to the councils’ water management motion, Ms Jackson said “the NSW government is committed to improving long-term water security in the Tamworth region through both infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions, as it has been identified as having critical water security needs”.

“The department is currently progressing a full business case for an advanced water treatment plant in Tamworth that could recycle waste from agricultural processors,” she said.

“It has also exhibited proposed temporary measures such as increasing the amount of water set aside in Chaffey Dam for Tamworth’s town water supply which would improve the water security of Tamworth.

“These temporary measures are on pause to allow for further analysis. The department is progressing a preliminary business case investigating options including building pipelines that would connect the city to Keepit or Split Rock Dams in the west and/or the Manning Valley in the east, as well as new water storages.

“Based on feedback from Gunnedah and other councils, we have undertaken additional hydraulic modelling to assess impacts on the Namoi.

“It is important to note that at this stage, no decisions have been made as to whether any of the options will progress to a rigorous full business case, where detailed investigation and community and stakeholder engagement would occur.”

The council acknowledged the minister’s response and noted that it was good to see that the department has undertaken additional hydraulic modelling.

It said it will continue to advocate on behalf of the community to ensure the water security of the Gunnedah Shire is protected and maintained.