Water drops: Building water security for our region’s future
Published on 17 June 2026
Making sure our communities have a reliable water supply is one of Council’s most important responsibilities. Safe and secure water supports everyday life, protects our region during drought, and helps our communities grow and thrive.
The 2019 drought showed that water supplies across the New England are vulnerable during long dry periods. Since then, Council has taken clear and deliberate steps to improve water security for the Armidale Regional Council Local Government Area.
The declaration of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) has made this issue more urgent. While renewable energy projects bring major economic benefits, they also require large amounts of water during construction. An EnergyCo study released in December 2025 found that water demand during peak construction will be much higher than what current supplies can provide across Armidale, Uralla and Walcha. Importantly, these projects cannot go ahead while Armidale remains in the highest water risk category.
This means water security must come first. Without it, the region risks missing out on significant investment and job opportunities.
Council has been working towards long‑term water solutions since 2018. In 2022, Council approved a two‑stage plan to improve water security. This includes restoring Oaky River Dam and building a pipeline to the Armidale Water Treatment Plant, followed by raising Malpas Dam and upgrading the pipeline. These projects, now have detailed designs, putting Armidale in a strong position compared to other parts of the region.
Uralla and Walcha councils face similar challenges. At peak times, water demand for NEREZ construction is expected to be more than four times current supply across the three council areas. No single council can manage this on its own. Working together will help reduce risks, control costs and find better long‑term solutions.
In response to the EnegyCo studies, Armidale Regional Council has established a Regional Water Security Working Group with Uralla and Walcha councils. The group will look at shared solutions, coordinate planning, and work together to seek support and funding from State and Federal governments. This work will use existing budgets and does not commit Council to new spending at this stage.
Taking a regional approach now will help secure reliable water supplies for decades to come and ensure the New England can fully benefit from future economic development.
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