Council to become member of Murray Darling Association

Narrabri Shire Council will become a member of the Murray Darling Association, the peak representative body for local government in the Murray-Darling basin.

The association ensures communities have a direct voice in water management decisions through state and federal advocacy, informed debate, and inter-council  collaboration. More than 170 member councils across four states participate in the MDA, including most councils in the North West.

In a mayoral minute, mayor Darrell Tiemens said Narrabri Shire must have a seat at that table.

“Our shire includes three towns located on the Namoi River – Boggabri, Narrabri and Wee Waa. This river is the backbone of our community and our economy,” the mayoral minute moved at an extraordinary meeting of council last week read.

“Narrabri is home to the second largest economy in the North West, underpinned by cotton, grains, and horticulture – all highly water-dependent sectors. The decisions made across the Basin about water sharing, floodplain harvesting and environmental flows directly affect our producers, businesses, and towns.

Cr Tiemens said it is critical that Narrabri Shire has a voice in policy decisions that impact water security and economic resilience.

“As a member of the MDA, we will join our neighbouring councils in forming a unified voice and ensuring our region is properly represented.”