Gunnedah Shire Council is taking further action against the proposed Lake Keepit pipeline by joining Namoi Water.
The industry group supports members by aiming to achieve sustainable irrigation in the North West.
The decision was made in the July ordinary meeting, with councillors unanimously agreeing to join.
An additional $4199 was added to the Elected Members Subscriptions budget from the general fund unrestricted cash.
The action was in further response to the NSW government’s consultation to build a pipeline from Lake Keepit to Tamworth, which would aim to provide water security to the city.
The council has taken a stance against the pipeline, with concerns of the impact on the community.
Mayor Colleen Fuller said councillors were aware of what they were up against and “can’t go out there and ask for anything free of charge”.
She later spoke about the shire’s suffering during drought, mentioning the past crisis in Carroll, when residents needed to truck in water and later pay off the debt.
“There were a lot of pensioners that had bores and they were struggling,” Cr Fuller said.
“That was tragic.
“We do not want that and future droughts will be far worse than what we suffered.”
Cr Robert Hoddle will be the council’s delegate with Cr Juliana McArthur as the alternate delegate.
Cr Hoddle said they had support from downstream councils and needed to push the state government to not go ahead with the pipeline.
“We’ve got substantial support and we are really leading the charge on this,” he said.
“[However, because] this is such a big issue, we need to rejoin the Namoi Water, so we all speak with one voice and we put as much pressure on as we possibly can.”
Speaking further was Cr McArthur, who stated the pipeline would not just affect farmers but everyone.
“We have also got to remember that water is critical to us as a basic life source,” she said.
“I am looking forward to trying to get this government to understand better.”
RELATED COVERAGE:
Time for action on water security is now – March 28
Keepit a ‘line in the sand’ on water security – June 26
Keepit pipeline not ‘effective’ solution for Tamworth’s water woes – June 5
Keepit pipeline proposal a ‘regional emergency in the making’ – July 9
