Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place for Narrabri township, however a temporary, town-wide sprinkler exemption will be introduced to help balance community needs with water supply sustainability.
From 7pm tonght, all properties connected to the Narrabri town water supply will be permitted to use fixed sprinklers between 7pm and midnight only. The Narrabri Splash Pad will also reopen from 12pm to 6pm daily from today, Thursday, 29 January.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the decision reflects Council listening to the community while continuing to act responsibly as the local water utility.
“We’ve heard the concerns from residents about the impact Level 4 restrictions are having, particularly with ongoing hot weather,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“This exemption is Council meeting the community in the middle, allowing some outdoor watering, while still protecting our water supply.”
Mayor Tiemens stressed that the exemption is limited, controlled and conditional.
“This is not a return to unrestricted use,” he said.
“We are relying on residents to use this exemption sensibly. Short watering times, using timers, and watering only what’s necessary will make a real difference.”
Council’s General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the decision follows careful monitoring of supply and demand across the water network.
“While recent conditions have improved, demand remains high and our system continues to rely heavily on the Elizabeth Street bore,” Ms Chaplain said.
“Restrictions remain necessary to ensure we can maintain a safe and sustainable water supply for the entire town.”
Ms Chaplain made it clear that the exemption will be reviewed regularly.
“If water demand once again outstrips supply, Council will have no choice but to remove this exemption and revert to full Level 4 restrictions,” she said.
“Conversely, if trends continue to improve and the system remains stable, Council will transition to moving to the lowest level of restrictions that conditions allow.”
Council reiterated that compliance remains critical, and that enforcement will continue.
“Restrictions and exemptions only work when people follow the rules,” Ms Chaplain said.
“Our compliance team will continue monitoring water use, and penalties apply for breaches.”
Council also confirmed it is continuing work on medium- and long-term water security solutions, including:
- Progressing a new PFAS-free bore through flow and water quality testing
- Advancing the design and construction of a portable water treatment plant
“These projects are essential to strengthening Narrabri’s long-term water resilience, but they take time,” Ms Chaplain said.
“In the meantime, responsible water use by everyone is essential.”
Council will continue to monitor water supply and demand daily and will provide updates as conditions change.
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