Have your say on the future of Yarrie Lake

The community is being invited to help shape the future of Yarrie Lake, with the draft Yarrie Lake Reserve Plan of Management now on public exhibition.

The draft plan includes actions to improve recreation and visitor facilities, strengthen long term management of the reserve, and protect the lake’s environmental and cultural values.

It also reflects community feedback about the need for any future change to be practical, balanced and consistent with the character of the place, an update from the trust read.

It follows earlier visioning and consultation, where people strongly described Yarrie Lake as a natural, peaceful and family friendly place that should be protected and respected for future generations.

Interim administrator Bob Stewart said the draft plan was an important milestone for the reserve and a key opportunity for the community to help guide its future.

“We heard clearly that people want practical improvements, but they also want the lake to remain natural, welcoming and true to its character,” he said. “This exhibition is the community’s opportunity to review the draft and tell us whether we have got the balance right.”

The draft plan also addresses the proposed bore water option, which has been a key issue raised by the community, according to the trust’s update.

The plan makes clear that no decision has been made to proceed with bore water extraction. Instead, it identifies bore water as a potential future option that would require further scientific testing, environmental assessment, statutory approvals and additional community consultation before any decision could be made.

The draft plan notes that Water NSW requires at least 12 months of water testing before any application for a new bore can be considered.

Any future proposal would also need to go through a public Review of Environmental Factors and other approval processes. In the meantime, the plan supports continuing work on more immediate measures to improve water inflows to the lake through catchment and drainage improvements where possible.

To support the public exhibition, two rounds of engagement will be held so community members have time to read the draft plan before the first in person discussions, and a further opportunity to provide feedback before submissions close on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Community members can review the draft Plan of Management during the exhibition period, make a formal submission, and attend one of the public drop in sessions. Feedback received during exhibition will be reviewed before the Plan of Management is finalised and submitted for approval.

Exhibition will run from Monday, April 20 to Monday, June 1. Visit the website: www.yarrielaketrust.com.au to review the draft plan and provide feedback. Interested community members can also attend a drop in session. The dates are as follows: Saturday, May 2, 7.30am-12.30pm at the Narrabri Rotary Markets; Saturday, May 2, 2.30pm-4.30pm, at Yarrie Lake; Sunday, May 3, 10am-12pm, at the Wee Waa CWA Hall; Saturday, May 23, 9.30am-12.30pm, at the Narrabri Community Kiosk; and Sunday, May 24, 9.30am-12.30pm, at the Wee Waa CWA Hall.