As we move further into February there is significant work continuing across our shire, particularly in relation to water security, major infrastructure and our ongoing advocacy for improved health services.
Before the recent rain, Narrabri town water levels were hovering around 50 per cent, placing considerable pressure on our supply system.
The rainfall has been very much welcomed and has provided some relief, however level four water restrictions remain in place and staff continue to monitor storage levels by the hour. Water restrictions will only be eased once our water security can be assured, hopefully soon.
It is important to be clear that council did not cause the PFAS situation.
Firefighting foam containing PFAS was banned more than 15 years ago, and legacy contamination has been the bane of water authorities across regional New South Wales.
This is a broader regulatory and historical issue, not one created locally. What matters now is how we respond.
Council staff have worked extraordinarily hard to manage the situation.
This has involved detailed testing, constant engagement with regulators, engineering assessments and clear communication with the community.
Just before last Christmas we received sign-off for $4 million in funding for a portable water treatment plant. That approval was a critical milestone.
Since then, procurement and compliance processes have been progressing to ensure the plant can be delivered as efficiently as possible.
At the same time, impressive progress has been made navigating the technical and regulatory hurdles required to bring a new water bore online and connect it to the Narrabri town water supply.
These approvals are complex and highly regulated.
The pace of progress reflects a focused and determined effort by our water and infrastructure teams under significant pressure.
The Violet Street Bridge replacement continues as a major project for our shire.
The bridge remains closed as an active construction site and access is not permitted.
Fencing and detours are in place to protect both workers and the public.
We have received reports of people breaching site fencing, which is extremely hazardous and unacceptable. The new bridge will provide long-term benefits for our community and we appreciate everyone’s patience while the works are completed safely.
Health services remain a high priority. Recently, three councillors met with Hunter New England Health to receive updates on our hospitals in Boggabri, Wee Waa and Narrabri.
There are encouraging signs of progress in several areas and that work should be acknowledged.
However, Wee Waa Hospital remains particularly challenging. Recruitment of a doctor and additional nursing staff is still required despite considerable effort.
On May 8 this year it will be three years since Wee Waa Hospital moved to limited hours.
At the time, the community was told this would be a six-week measure. Three years is not six weeks.
This situation would not be tolerated in a metropolitan hospital and it should not be tolerated in a regional community.
We will continue to advocate firmly for the full restoration of services and appropriate staffing levels.
I also want to reflect on the tone of some commentary that appears on social media.
There has been a noticeable level of vitriol directed at various local issues. Many comments are incorrect, premature or based on incomplete information.
It is easy to be negative. It is far more difficult to contribute constructively and help build a stronger community.
Narrabri Shire is an attractive place to work, raise a family, start a business and live a happy existence because of the supportive community we share.
Social media platforms are designed to amplify content that triggers anger or frustration.
That environment does not always encourage balanced discussion. Personally, I prefer engaging directly with residents in person, where conversations are generally more respectful and productive.
There is a great deal of work underway across our shire.
Not everything moves as quickly as we would like, particularly in areas such as water security and health services.
However, steady progress is being made.
With continued cooperation, patience and constructive engagement, we will strengthen our infrastructure, protect our water supply and continue advocating for the essential services our community deserves.
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