Council report resolutions regarding staging are as follows (some are in closed session). Note each of these reports contain reference to recommended staging to Councillors, however resolutions relate to the recommendations only which are specific to purpose of the report. 1. Resolution 74/22 – IWCM Strategy – Water Security Assessment and Options Evaluation Report (OCM Report 23 March 2022 – Open Session) 2. Resolution 220/22 – Water Security Project – Funding commitment for pre-construction works with Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) through Safe and Secure Water Program (SSWP) (OCM 26 October 2022 Closed Session. Resolution is read out and on public record) 3. Resolution 52/24 – Engagement of The Stable Pty Ltd for Water Security Funding Strategy and Business Cases (OCM 27 March 2024 - Closed Session. However, resolution is read out and on public record) 4. March Resolution 156/24 – National Water Grid (NWG) Funding Application – Armidale Water Security Strategy-Detailed Business Case (OCM 24 July 2024 – Closed Session. Resolution is read out and on public record)
Armidale Region Water Security Strategy - FAQs
The communities of the Armidale region are vulnerable to the impacts of droughts and climate change. The council’s number one priority is to secure the water supply This was evident during the 2019 drought when Armidale almost ran out of water despite careful management of its water supply and demand. The NSW Government has assessed the region’s water supply at the highest water security risk category.
The Armidale Regional Water Security Strategy provides the framework for delivering water infrastructure to sustain the region’s population today.
Delivery of the Armidale Regional Water Security Strategy will be staged and involve:
Expert analysis has identified that Armidale LGA has only 60 percent of what is required to service its current population before water restrictions are once again enforced. To prevent a perpetual cycle of restrictions and to mitigate their severity, least 40 options were investigated to secure additional water supply for the region. These are described in technical reports by NSW Public Works and Beca HunterH2O. Options included consideration of surface water, groundwater, recycled effluent, managed aquifer recharge, rainwater and stormwater. The options analysis also considered climate change scenarios. On this basis, Council has adopted several resolutions (unanimously) to pursue Oaky Dam due to the raising of the Malpas spillway only capable of achieving 80 percent (from 60percent) of what is needed for our current population, let alone any headroom for population growth.
Yes. Armidale needs additional secure the water supply for the current population. This was evident during the 2019-20 drought when Armidale almost ran out of water despite demand management efforts. The Regional Water Security Strategy will focus on improving water security for the existing population.
Malpas Dam is Armidale’s existing main water source. Recent engineering studies by NSW Public Works determined that securing Armidale’s water supply from Oaky Dam would be the better option. This is due to a number of factors that see the Oaky River catchment collecting a greater volume of water, more frequently, and out pacing the collection capability of Malpas. Malpas Dam is larger, however its catchment collects less water. Oaky Dam is smaller, yet its catchment can collect a greater volume of water, filling more often and providing a greater secure yield. There is an additional secondary benefit of having an alternate water source in place before water levels are lowered to allow work on the Malpas Dam spillway addressing a significant risk. This staged approach will maintain uninterrupted water supply and reduce the risk of Armidale running out of water if there is another big drought at the time of construction.
Work to secure the Armidale Region’s water supply commenced during the drought and has not stopped. This is a huge undertaking governed by the NSW Government with many steps that council must meet to ensure we put our best foot forward when applying for funding through both the State and Federal Governments. [Refer to the timeline.]
Councillors can elect to overturn resolutions and stage it differently, however this would be contrary to the expert advice which has water security as the primary objective.
Yes. Community engagement is an important part of delivering this strategy and associated proposed projects. Community consultation will be conducted in accordance with NSW Government and Armidale Regional Council guidelines.
In the NSW Government Business papers located on their website Member of the Legislative Assembly The Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM on 11 July 2024 asked a series of questions to the NSW Government Minister for Water The Hon. Rose Jackson. The Minister indicated: “The NSW Government has all options on the table in relation to proposed water projects. I have been advised that the former Coalition Government entered a funding deed in relation to Malpas Dam on 2 March 2023, one day before the former Government went into caretaker mode. “While the local member announced funding of $27 million for the raising of Malpas Dam spillway, there was no allocation for this in the 2022-23 Budget.”