Narrabri is one crucial step closer to improved water security, with the NSW Government committing $4 million to deliver a portable water treatment plant and new production bores for the township.
Narrabri Shire Council has been advocating for state support since earlier this year, when two of the three bores supplying Narrabri’s drinking water were shut down due to PFAS levels above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Last month, Council received funding for its short-term solution — a new pump in the Elizabeth Street bore. This latest funding will make the identified medium-term solution possible. Council will continue progressing the long-term solution, a permanent water treatment plant, including consulting with the community.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the support received from both the NSW Government and the Local Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP.
“We have been navigating this issue for over a year, so it is pleasing to see that Minister Jackson has listened to our concerns and recognised the need for urgent support,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“I would like to thank the Minister for prioritising this matter and thank our local member, Roy Butler MP, for his support”.
The portable treatment plant will allow Council to bring the Tibbereena Street and Killarney Street bores back online, ensuring that water from these sources can be safely treated before entering the network.
Council’s General Manager Eloise Chaplain said the funding would help restore flexibility and resilience to Narrabri’s water supply system.
“This investment gives us options that we simply haven’t had in recent months,” Ms Chaplain said.
“We’ll be able to treat water from the affected bores, draw from new bores, and — most importantly — ensure that if any of our sources experience PFAS or other water quality issues in future, we have the ability to safely treat the water before it reaches our community.”
Ms Chaplain noted that Council must also consider the ongoing operational costs associated with new infrastructure.
“Council will ensure costs associated with this medium-term solution, such as the disposal of extracted PFAS, are minimised whilst remaining compliant,” she explained.
Council will provide a further update to the community once all relevant funding documentation has been received and a project timeline confirmed.
Level 3 water restrictions will remain in place until the portable treatment plant is operational.
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