Water Drops: ARC’s Strategic Planning Journey

Published on 02 June 2025

The strategic planning journey for Armidale Regional Council (ARC) began with the 2016 merger of Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Shire Councils. The merger exposed significant under resourcing and a lack of strategic vision and direction. This legacy created the need for a more unified, forward-thinking approach. It was the turning point along with the 2019 drought and the introduction of the 2021 elected councillors that shared a bold and ambitious growth strategy to turn our region’s fortunes around.

At the time of the merger, the region’s water security was already under pressure. The combined communities of Armidale and Guyra required 4,312 ML of water per year but only had access to about 2,428 ML—just 56% of what was needed. This shortfall became painfully clear during the 2019 drought, when both towns came dangerously close to running out of water. It was a wake-up call that exposed the fragility of the region’s infrastructure and the urgent need for long-term solutions. 

By 2018, ARC began shifting toward best-practice pricing in water. This wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was a response to growing expectations across the local government sector. The industry was moving toward integrated, evidence-based strategies, and ARC recognised it needed to keep pace. That’s when strategic thinking really started to take shape. 

One of the most significant outcomes of this shift has been the renewed focus on water security. The restoration of the Oaky River Dam—originally decommissioned in 2013—has become a cornerstone of ARC’s strategy. The dam offers a more resilient catchment, lower evaporation rates, and the potential to diversify supply through a new pipeline to the Armidale Water Treatment Plant. It’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about building resilience for the future. 

As an emerging issue, climate change has grown into a major planning consideration. Over time, ARC has come to understand that climate change isn’t just a background issue—it’s central to everything from water management to economic development. That realisation has pushed the council to embed climate resilience into its strategic documents and planning frameworks.

Today, ARC’s planning landscape looks very different from where it started. What was once a fragmented and reactive approach is now more cohesive, proactive, and aligned with the region’s long-term needs. And while there’s still work to do, the region is better positioned than ever to grow sustainably, adapt to change, and support its communities.