Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is inviting water customers across the region to help shape the future of local water, wastewater and stormwater services through its Regional Infrastructure Strategy: Levels of Service and Perceived Value consultation.
The consultation runs from 13 July to 13 August 2026 and forms part of Council’s development of an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan (IWCM) – a long-term strategy to guide the planning, management and funding of water and wastewater services over the next 30 years.
Council is seeking feedback to better understand community values, priorities and preferences, including the trade-offs between cost, service levels, infrastructure investment and long-term water security.
The consultation will help ensure future planning reflects community expectations, affordability considerations and the services that matter most to residents.
ARC General Manager James Roncon said the Regional Infrastructure Strategy was a key priority for Council.
“By understanding community expectations around service levels, affordability and future infrastructure investment, we can make informed decisions that support reliable water and sewer services,” said Roncon.
“Taking part in this consultation helps Council plan ahead for our region.”
Integrated Water Cycle Management is a NSW Government best-practice framework that considers water supply, wastewater, stormwater and the natural environment as one connected system. It supports councils to plan sustainable, resilient and affordable water services over the long term.
The consultation focuses on identifying the essential infrastructure and level of service the region needs. It also aims to better understand community preferences, affordability pressures and where support or staged approaches may be appropriate.
Council recognises cost-of-living pressures affect households differently, and feedback from residents and businesses will play an important role in shaping future planning and investment decisions.
Community members can have their say by completing the online survey through Your Say Armidale, participating in a community forum or attending one of the pop-up sessions being held throughout the consultation period. A schedule of consultation activities is available via the QR code below.
Following the consultation, Council will review all feedback and report the outcomes to the community through the IWCM, outlining how community input has informed the planning process.
For more information or to have your say, visit yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au.
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