Gunnedah has joined other councils to call on the NSW Government for better consultation before making changes to dam operations or river management.

The Triple-R Water Security Alliance is made up of seven councils; Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Central Darling Shires.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water had noted Tamworth is vulnerable to drought and will deplete its water if population or climate change make conditions worse.

Suggested plans and pipelines would ensure during times of drought, the city would not be left without water.

The alliance has concerns with multiple proposals that would take water from their communities, still remembering the harsh realities of the last drought.

Gunnedah Shire Council has been vocal in its opposition of a proposed pipeline from Lake Keepit to Tamworth and reinforced its stance when speaking to the media last week.

Mayor Colleen Fuller used Water NSW’s Keepit Dam fact sheet to draw attention to how communities depend on it.

She stated the dam’s primary use was for irrigation in the Namoi Valley and town water supply for Walgett, Narrabri and downstream.

“The Namoi provides town water for Wee Waa, and we want to make sure that in the future our water supply goes downstream and not back,” she said.

Cr Fuller noted Gunnedah may have water in its town supply water, but she had previously seen what drought had done to the community.

She said the alliance would be willing to work with Tamworth, however councils still need to ensure they look after their towns, primary producers and requirements.

“We support Tamworth in what they want to do for their future of water, but they must be reasonable … and work with us,” Cr Fuller said.

Cr Robert Hoddle noted that Tamworth may need more water for the amount of industry it has established.

“[Tamworth has] been very fortunate at attracting those industries that do require a lot of water but by taking water from us we can’t attract industry,” he said.

“In the case of Narrabri, [which has a] new citrus development … things like that would generate more employment [however,] we can’t attract if we don’t have water.”

A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said no decision has been made and it will be taking feedback on board.

“The NSW Government has been clear from the outset that prioritising town water supply for critical human needs and essential water services is always a priority,” the spokesperson said.

“That is why we are assessing a number of proposed options to shore up water security for Tamworth including:

$3 million Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for the Intervalley Pipelines and Off-River Storages Project

$6 million Full Business Case (FBC) for an Advanced Water Treatment Plant

proposed changes to water sharing rules on the Cockburn River.

“No decisions have been made yet about whether any of these options will move ahead, and stakeholder consultation is essential in shaping any final decision to ensure we balance the water needs of the community, the economy and the environment.

“Earlier this year, we completed targeted consultation for the PBC and the FBC which included speaking to representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, as well as briefing Namoi Water and Peel Valley Irrigators.

“We also spoke with Walcha, Uralla, Liverpool and Narrabri Shire Councils to hear their perspectives.

“We have listened carefully to their feedback and are incorporating it into the business cases which are due for completion later this year.

“We also carried out consultation about the proposed changes to water sharing rules on the Cockburn River with affected licence holders, peak bodies and the community.

“No decisions have been made on the proposed water sharing plan changes, and we are taking all feedback on board.

“The NSW Government will continue to keep local council and other stakeholders informed as these projects progress.”‘