DROUGHT SECURITY A FOCUS FOR COUNCIL
The threat of drought is an ever-present reality for the Dubbo Region and is a critical aspect of Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC) strategic planning, to bolster drought security measures for the region.
“As a Council we proactively plan for the future to ensure our region can adapt and be resilient in times of natural disaster, in particular during periods of severe drought,” Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
Since the last severe drought which had long lasting impacts on the wider region, Council has been focused on planning and constructing drought security projects that increase access to groundwater. This is an important means of providing a more secure potable water supply for communities in times of drought.
“We are well aware that periods of significant drought increase the risk of the Macquarie River ceasing to flow. Without investment in infrastructure and drought security projects such an event would result in loss of viable potable water supplies in Geurie, Dubbo and Wellington.”
Council is actively working to expand the number of town water supply bore sites for Dubbo from seven to 15 with funding from NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Five of the additional bores have already been constructed but are not yet operational while three other bore sites are under construction. Additional bores and pipeline works have also been constructed in Wellington and Geurie.
Works are planned in Wellington and Geurie to allow the integration of bore water into the water treatment process, helping to secure water for residents in times of drought. Council is also undertaking the relining of the raw water pipeline supplying Mumbil to ensure effective water supply to the residents of the village.
DRC is also working in partnership with Narromine Shire Council to co-develop a Drought Resilience Plan for the Central Orana Region that will cover Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Wellington and the surrounding village communities.
The aim is to create a solid, tangible plan with outcomes that highlight ways to improve agricultural landscapes in times of disaster and provide a list of actions to build drought resilience specific to the region.
“As a Council we want to ensure we recognise, plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change,” Clr Dickerson said.
The future planning for drought security is part of Council’s Delivery Program to ensure water and sewer infrastructure and services meet the needs of the community and that water supply is provided efficiently and sustainably to our community.
The draft 2024/2025 Budget, Delivery Program and Operational Plan can be viewed online at yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively, hard copies are available to be viewed in the Council’s Customer Experience Centres and the branches of the Macquarie Regional Library in Dubbo and Wellington.
Submissions are invited online until 9am, Monday 3 June 2024.
Last Edited: 17 May 2024