Water for the Future

Namoi Unlimited has endorsed its “Water for the Future” strategy, which outlines in detail the region’s water resources and what actions Local Government members should take into the future. 

The detailed documents are the biggest investment from the Joint Organisation in the past 12 months and will now be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. 

Chair of Namoi Unlimited and Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council Jamie Chaffey says, “this is an important step forward for our member councils as this documents will help guide our actions as a regional collaboration, our advocacy platform and decision making, moving forward. 

“While this is a technical and complex report about the region’s water resources and a second volume of analysis with recommended actions, I believe both documents assess the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats to water security in our region. 

“A professional report to this standard would be near impossible for an individual council to fund, and action alone. 

“We know water crosses council boundaries, as do the effects of drought, and by working together we can better navigate this dry period and plan for future drought events.” 

The report makes 33 recommendations including potential short and long term infrastructure to strengthen water security and changes to water planning and policy. It also highlights the need for further studies and assessment to address data gaps to enable regional improvements to water management. 

“While the water needs and concerns of each member council may vary, we are united in our belief that Local Government should embrace best practice water management and fight on behalf of its residents for secure town water supplies. 

“We know water is a critical enabler for economic growth and in many ways this report complements work already being done by Namoi Unlimited to understand and diversify economies and build vibrant and sustainable communities,” concludes Cr Chaffey. 

Namoi Unlimited is now seeking public comment on the documents before the reports are endorsed for adoption and implementation. These reports can be viewed at www.namoiunlimited.nsw.gov.au and submissions can be made by emailing the Executive Officer Rebel Thomson at [email protected]. 

Download media release: Water-for-the-Future-Report