Violet Street bridge upgrade project reaches milestone

MAYOR, Narrabri Shire Council

Across Narrabri Shire, council work is progressing on projects large and small. Some are easy to see, while others happen quietly beneath our streets or behind the scenes, but all help keep our communities moving and essential services operating.

The replacement of Narrabri’s Violet Street Bridge has reached a milestone, with foundation piling completed. The final pile was driven on 24 June at the Selina Street abutment, while the first concrete pour has been completed at the Tibbereena Street end.

Work is progressing on cutting pier piles to design level and preparing steelwork for the pile caps. The old bridge piers are scheduled for demolition in mid-July. Construction will then move to the pile caps, blade piers and Selina Street abutment, followed by the headstocks and bridge girders.

Each stage brings us closer to delivering a stronger, safer and more reliable crossing for residents, while also providing an important alternative route for heavy vehicles if the Big Bridge is blocked. I thank residents for their patience while the detour remains in place.

Council is continuing work on our water and sewer networks. Essential sewer maintenance in Narrabri North includes CCTV inspections and water jetting, while council has awarded the tender for relining the Narrabri sewer main. Water meter replacement is continuing in Narrabri and Wee Waa.

The application to convert the new bore to a production bore remains under assessment by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Council continues monitoring bore operations and reservoir levels. Routine testing confirms Narrabri’s drinking water meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The NSW budget handed down last week was, on a strict assessment, very lean for Narrabri Shire. The $1.2m investment in Narrabri Fish Farm is welcome and could support jobs, innovation and economic diversification. It is a positive investment in a local business, and I congratulate those involved. However, the budget contained little fresh, named funding for the public infrastructure and service priorities facing our shire.

I found no fresh, named funding for our hospitals, police housing, roads, water security, airport, schools or other public priorities, nor new incentives to attract the doctors and nurses needed to help restore 24-hour services at Wee Waa Hospital.

Our region contributes strongly to the NSW economy, and our residents should not be overlooked in decisions about essential services and infrastructure. Council will continue advocating for a fairer share.

Progress is continuing on the Tourism and Cultural Hub, including playground installation and concrete works for shelters and seating. I have walked past the site recently, and it is looking great.

Vegetation and weed control is under way across Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa, while repairs continue at Boggabri’s Jubilee Oval.

At the Narrabri Waste Management Facility, construction of new disposal cells is progressing. Unfortunately, illegal dumping remains a serious problem. Waste and tyres were dumped around Maules Creek and transfer stations. This behaviour is unlawful, costly and dangerous, particularly when asbestos is involved. Offenders can face hefty fines.

Have a good week, everyone. Finally, during this cold weather, please remember to look after your neighbours and anyone who may be vulnerable, particularly those who are ill or elderly.