Coonamble Shire Council advises residents that the current Boil Water Alert and strict water restrictions will remain in place while water quality targets are restored across the town supply system.These measures remain necessary to protect public health following system stress at the water treatment plant and continued high demand on the town water supply.Operational UpdateCouncil also advises that Bore Site 5 is currently not operating due to a pump failure. As a result, the town water supply is presently reliant on Bores 3 and 4.This reduced bore capacity has increased operational pressure on the treatment system and reinforces the need for continued water conservation across the community.Repairs to Bore Site 5 are being prioritised.Why the Boil Water Alert RemainsUnder Council’s Drinking Water Management Plan (2020), the water treatment plant must achieve a Critical Control Point (CCP) chlorine residual target of 2.0 to ensure effective disinfection and compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.The CCP refers to the chlorine dosing level required to eliminate potential pathogens such as E.coli and total coliforms.The plant is currently operating at a CCP level of 1.89, which remains below the required target of 2.0.Before the Boil Water Alert can be lifted:1. The CCP chlorine residual must consistently reach and stabilise at 2.0; and2. Council must allow a minimum 24-hour turnover period for treated water to circulate through the reticulation system and reservoirs to ensure consistent water quality across the entire network.This turnover process ensures compliant water is present throughout the system — not just at the treatment plant outlet.Council continues to work closely with NSW Public Health and will meet daily, including over the weekend, to fast-track the lifting of the Boil Water Alert as soon as it is safe to do so.Boil Water Requirements Remain in ForceResidents must continue to:· Bring water to a rolling boil before drinking or food preparation· Use cooled, boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food and beverages, baby formula, making ice and pet drinking waterTap water may still be used for showering and bathing (avoiding ingestion), washing clothes, and washing dishes in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher (air dried).Water Restrictions ContinueStrict water restrictions remain in place to reduce demand on the treatment system and assist with stabilising water quality.All non-essential water use remains prohibited.Bottled Water DistributionFree bottled drinking water distribution will continue:· Friday· Saturday· Not operating Sunday· If necessary, distribution will continue into next weekDistribution arrangements will be reviewed daily based on water quality progress and community need.Council thanks the community for its continued cooperation and patience during this critical period.Greg HillGENERAL MANAGER

NARROMINE LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS LIFTEDNarromine Shire Council advises that Level 2 Water Restrictions have now been lifted for Narromine.Thank you to all residents and businesses for your outstanding efforts to conserve water during the recent extreme heat and dry conditions.Your cooperation helped stabilise our water treatment plant during a challenging period.As cooler weather sets in, we encourage everyone to remain water wise.If you have a smart meter, sign up to NSC Water to monitor usage and detect any potential leaks early https://nscwater.narromine.nsw.gov.au/For further information or enquiries, please contact Council’s Water Utility Team via email at [email protected], phone (02) 6889 9999, or follow Council’s social media pages for updates and reminders.

Coonamble Shire Council advises all residents and businesses hand watering of gardens will now be allowed between the hours of 7.00pm and 7.00am ONLY.Hand Watering Includes:• Handheld hose with trigger nozzle• Bucket or watering canThe following activities are still STRICTLY PROHIBITED:• Washing vehicles, caravans, boats, or trailers• Filling or topping up swimming pools, spas, or water features• Hosing driveways, paths, buildings, or hard surfaces• Sprinklers and irrigation systemsAll other restrictions will need to be adhered to, including the boil water alert.These restrictions are critical to allow the water reservoir time to recover and to prevent furtherdecline in supply.Council will be actively monitoring water usage. Non-compliance may result in penalties underCouncil regulations.Failure to reduce water use now may place the town’s water supply at risk.BOIL WATER ALERT – IMPORTANTAll water used for drinking or food preparation must be brought to a rolling boil and allowed to cool before use. Residents must use boiled or bottled water for:o Drinkingo Brushing teetho Washing and preparing food or beverageso Preparing baby formulao Making iceo Pet drinking waterTap water may still be used for:o Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water; sponge-bathe babies and toddlers)o Washing dishes in hot, soapy water or dishwasher (air-dry after washing)o Washing clothesCouncil will continue handing out Free Bottled Drinking Water until Friday, 6 FebruaryFree Bottled Drinking WaterFrom Monday, 2 February, residents can collect free bottled drinking water packs.o Location: Car park behind the old Sons of the Soil Hotelo Times: 8:00am to 12:00pmo Available: Daily until Friday, 6 FebruaryDaily updates will be provided as the situation changes, on Councils Website and Facebook.Greg HillGENERAL MANAGER

LEVEL 2 (MODERATE) WATER RESTRICTIONS RESTORED FOR NARROMINE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSESNarromine Shire Council advises Narromine residents and businesses that the bore pump which failed on Friday afternoon has now been successfully replaced, allowing Council to restore Level 2 (Moderate) Water Restrictions, following the temporary Level 5 restrictions announced on Friday, 30 January 2026.Council sincerely thanks residents and businesses for their excellent water conservation efforts during the extreme heat over the weekend, which played a vital role in maintaining the water supply while urgent repairs were carried out.While Level 2 (Moderate) Water Restrictions are now back in place, Council emphasises that these restrictions are not due to a shortage of water. They are necessary to ensure the Narromine Water Treatment Plant can continue to operate within capacity while meeting demand across the entire network.“The response from residents and businesses over the weekend has been outstanding, and it made a real difference,” Narromine Shire Council General Manager Jane Redden said.“Council also acknowledges the dedication of staff and contractors who worked to repair the pump under extreme heat conditions on Saturday.”Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services Melanie Slimming praised the efforts of Council staff and contractors, recognising the significant challenge of completing the repair in such conditions, while also acknowledging the community’s collective effort to conserve water during two exceptionally hot days.Reminder – Level 2 (Moderate) Water RestrictionsOdd-numbered properties: Sunday, Wednesday and FridayEven-numbered properties: Tuesday, Thursday and SaturdayNo lawn or garden watering is permitted on Mondaysoutdoor watering is only permitted before 9:00am and after 6:00pm. Watering outdoors during the cooler parts of the day improves absorption, reduces evaporation and helps reduce overall water use.For further information or enquiries, please contact Council’s Water Utility Team via email at [email protected], phone (02) 6889 9999, or follow Council’s social media pages for updates and reminders.

To reduce pressure on the town system and support households, Council has established the following temporary access points.Garden Water – Showgrounds Tank SupplyFrom Sunday, 1 February, between 7:00am and 12:00pm, residents may access non-potable water for garden use only from the Showgrounds tank supply.o Location: Showgrounds- entry nearest the hospitalo Council staff on site to assist filling containerso Maximum: 1,000 litres per household per visit each dayo Operating for two weeks daily, subject to weatherThis water does not come from the town drinking water system and helps reduce demand on the reservoir.Free Bottled Drinking WaterFrom Monday, 2 February, residents can collect free bottled drinking water packs.o Location: Car park behind the old Sons of the Soil Hotelo Times: 8:00am to 12:00pmo Available: Daily until Friday, 6 February

Coonamble Shire Council (CSC) has issued a BOIL WATER ALERT for properties connected to the Coonamble water supply due to a system failure at the water treatment plant.The water treatment plant is not able to keep up with the demand currently being experienced. This has subsequently created problems with the treatment and supply of the water. The water supplied is currently not meeting the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, making drinking water unsafe for consumption due to the potential of E. coli or Total Coliforms within the water supply.Council is addressing the issue by pumping water directly into the reticulation system to ensure household supply is maintained while using other bore supplies to provide enough water for the water treatment plant to work adequately.Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.Everyone, particularly people caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding when you are heating and then cooling the water.Residents are advised to use cooled, boiled water or bottled water for:• Drinking• Brushing teeth• Washing and preparing food or beverages• Preparing baby formula• Making ice• Pet’s drinking waterTap water may be used directly for:• Showering and bathing (residents should minimise that amount of water taken into their mouth). As a precaution babies and toddlers should be sponge bathed• Washing dishes by hand in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher provided dishes are air-dried before being used after washing• Washing clothesAlerts have been sent to local households and services, local media outlets, posted online at coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au and on social media via CSC’s social media accounts.Coonamble Shire Council will provide regular updates on Coonamble’s water supply quality through its webpage and its Facebook page. Updates will also be provided to local services and media.For information about the boil water notice for Coonamble, please visit coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au

Coonamble Shire Council advises all residents and businesses that IMMEDIATE and STRICT water restrictions are now in place due to critically low town water supply levels.The town’s water reservoir is at a dangerously low level. If water use is not reduced immediately, the security of Coonamble’s water supply is at serious risk.Effective immediately – ESSENTIAL USE ONLYAll non-essential water use must cease until further notice.The following activities are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:• Watering lawns, gardens, parks, or sporting fields• Washing vehicles, caravans, boats, or trailers• Filling or topping up swimming pools, spas, or water features• Hosing driveways, paths, buildings, or hard surfacesWater must be used ONLY for:• Drinking and food preparation• Personal hygiene• Essential household needsThese restrictions are critical to allow the water reservoir time to recover and to prevent further decline in supply.Council will be actively monitoring water usage. Non-compliance may result in penalties under Council regulations.This is a serious situation. Every household and business must act now to reduce water consumption. Immediate community cooperation is essential to protect Coonamble’s water supply.Daily updates will be provided as the situation changes.Failure to reduce water use now may place the town’s water supply at risk.Greg Hill𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙇 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝘼𝙂𝙀𝙍

Council asks residents and businesses of Coonamble to be mindful of water usage and to encourage each other to be water-wise.This output of treated water from the plant has not been able to keep pace with the increased summer water demand in this heat wave.It is also constrained by some additional loss of water from the system through breaks in the water mains and leaks.With less water in our tower reservoirs, water pressure drops, which many residents have noticed.Simple ways to reduce water usage include: Not running taps while brushing teeth. Having shorter showers. Ensuring we have no dripping taps or constantly leaking toilet cisterns. Limit outdoor use to hand-watering lawns and gardens after 8pm and before 8am. Washing vehicles less frequentlyCouncil apologises for this inconvenience and thanks the community in advance for their assistance with the challenge, especially over the next week.Please call Council on 6827 1900 if further information is required or extreme pressure reduction levels are found at your premises.Greg HillGENERAL MANAGER

Narromine Shire Council is implementing Level 2 Moderate Water Restrictions for Narromine township effective from Tuesday evening 30 December 2025.The restrictions will run for a period of two weeks in order to help stabilise water demand across the network.Recent hot weather has resulted in water usage increasing to more than four times the typical winter demand.While there is plenty of groundwater available, Narromine’s Water Treatment Plant is unable to treat water at the current rate of consumption.These temporary restrictions are intended to support consistent supply, protect infrastructure and ensure water remains available for essential household and consumer needs.Under Level 2 Moderate Restrictions, residents are asked to be particularly mindful of outdoor water use. Council requests that gardens and lawns be watered every second day only, following the schedule below:Odd-numbered properties: Monday, Wednesday, FridayEven-numbered properties: Tuesday, Thursday, SaturdayNo garden watering should occur on Sundays.Narromine Shire Council appreciates the community’s cooperation during this period.“We know residents rely on their gardens, especially during summer,” said Ms Melanie Slimming, Director Infrastructure and Engineering Services."These restrictions are not about a lack of water - they’re about giving the treatment plant enough time to keep up with current demand."By working together, we can ease pressure on the system while maintaining reliable supply for everyone."Council will continue to monitor usage closely and will review the restrictions again at the end of the two-week period."For more information, please contact Council’s Water Utility Team via email [email protected] or visit Council’s social media page for further updates and information.More Narromine Shire News

Coonamble Shire Council has issued emergency water restrictions for the Coonamble township, effective immediately. These restrictions apply to domestic use only, as the town’s water supply system is currently under severe pressure due to a water treatment plant throughput.As a result, reservoir levels are critically low, and water pressure across the township has dropped significantly.To ensure safe and sufficient drinking water for all residents, Council is limiting water usage strictly to essential domestic purposes.Permitted Uses:• Drinking• Cooking• Personal hygiene• Toilet flushingProhibited Uses:• Garden watering• Car washing• Filling pools or spas• Any non-essential outdoor useCouncil is working urgently to restore full functionality to the water treatment system.Council appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding during this critical time.These restrictions are temporary but necessary to protect public health and maintain essential water services.For updates and exemption requests, please visit the Council’s website or contact Customer Service directly.These restrictions do not apply to the Gulargambone or Quambone water supplies.Phillip PerramGENERAL MANAGER

Coonamble Shire Council has begun the process of cleaning the sewage gravity mains across Coonamble, with work expected to continue until Friday, 26 July 2024.During this process, residents and business owners may hear minor turbulence within their internal waste plumbing. It is recommended that toilet lids be kept closed and a small weight be placed on them while this operation is carried out.Council acknowledges that this work may cause some inconvenience. It will make every attempt to minimise disruptions.Queries can be directed to Council’s Acting Manager Utilities, Mr Tim Wark, on 6827 1900.Paul GallagherGeneral Manager

Coonamble Shire Council advises that the Gulargambone Water Supply will be briefly interrupted on Wednesday, 3 July, between 9am and 10am to allow valve maintenance to be carried out across the village area.All buildings on the village water supply will be affected.Residents, business and service staff are asked to make necessary arrangements for any water they may need during the short duration of the interruption.In particular, residents should avoid using household equipment that is connected to a water service that may be inadvertently switched on during the hours of the interruption, such as a washing machine or ZipBoil hot water service in business premises.Council thanks residents, businesses, the school, hospital and other service staff for their flexibility during the water supply interruption, requesting that this news be shared widely with neighbours and work colleagues before Wednesday.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Blasting at Coonamble's Mount Magometon Quarry are expected this afternoon.Coonamble Shire Council has advised residents "the blast window has been set between 2pm and 5pm and could occur between these times."There were 26 people were recorded as living in the locality of Magometon on census night in 2021."The Quarry will be closed when the blasting actually occurs," the council said on a Facebook post published around 9:30am today."Council thanks customers and local residents for their forbearance during this blasting event."Rock blasting is when explosives are used to fracture rock for materials to be excavated.Customers are requested to call (02) 6825 6222 before travelling out to Mt Magometon to confirm access.

Level 2 Water Restrictions introduced in Coonabarabran  Level 2 water restrictions will come into place in Coonabarabran from midnight tomorrow - Friday 22 March 2024.  “As of 19 March 2024, Timor Dam was at 60% capacity, which is declining due to minimal rainfall in the catchment and high-water usage by residents,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Residents are reminded that these water restrictions are in place for a reason and it is important to preserve water usages where possible.”  Under level 2 water restrictions, for households there is a target water consumption of 240 litres per person per day. Gardens may be watered Watering systems, non-fixed sprinklers, hand held hoses, microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses, only between 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm every second day as per odds and evens system. Odds and Evens System means that if the street number of your property is odd you can water in accordance with the restrictions on odd days. If your property has an even number you can water in accordance with the restrictions on even days.  “Council appreciates residents’ ongoing efforts to comply with these water restrictions and the Warrumbungle Water team will continue to monitor water supply levels closely,” Cr Doolan concluded.  Level 1 water restrictions will continue to be in place and enforced throughout Baradine, Binnaway, Merrygoen and Mendooran. Council will continue to monitor the level of the Castlereagh River closely as well as demand in Baradine. Residents are encouraged to limit their water usage and preserve water wherever possible. For a range of water saving tips, please refer to the Warrumbungle Water page on Council’s website.

ROAD CONDITIONS REPORT – LOCAL UNSEALED ROADS CLOSED - MONDAY 18 MARCHCoonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic throughout the Shire.Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out.Road users are reminded that:They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type, and they may void their own vehicle insurance.Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Council resolved in the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 February 2024 that there will be a closure of Lorne Road to all traffic.During exploration, large cavities were found beneath Fred Reece Way and Lorne Road within 500 metres of Kangaroo Hill. These are a result of mining activity dating back to 1910.While the current road does not exhibit external signs of distress, anecdotal reports from the investigation team indicate that the substantial size of the cavities poses a risk to road users, particularly with the increased traffic from heavy vehicles, trucks and machinery.Proposed alternative routeThe planned closure will prevent access at the intersection of Fred Reece Way and Lorne Road. There will be limited access for residents to reach their properties on either side of the intersection, with the cavities' locations clearly marked for public awareness.Access to Stonies Creek Road will be via either Three Mile Road or Fred Reece Way.Access to the Airport will be via Stonies Creek Road and a track next to the Airport fence.Council staff will contact affected residents and emergency services within the next week. Preparatory works, including intersection improvements in locations where traffic flow will increase will also be conducted as a result of this closure.We appreciate your understanding. For any enquiries, please reach out to our Council administration staff at (02) 6828 6100. Kindly leave your name, contact details, and specify that you call regards Lorne Road for a callback from the Roads Manager. Alternatively, you can also email us at [email protected].

Due to low attendance numbers at the Trangie Waste Depot, Narromine Shire Council announces a change in the weekend opening hours effective from 9 March 2024.The new Saturday and Sunday opening hours will be from 10 am until 2 pm.However, the Waste Depot will maintain its regular schedule every Wednesday and Friday from 8 am until Midday.The Trangie weekly kerbside green, yellow, and red lidded bins service to town residents will continue without any changes.In an effort to provide more convenient waste disposal options, Narromine Shire Council is launching a free trial "click and collect" bulk rubbish removal system specifically for Trangie town residents. This trial period will run until 26 July 2024.Commencing Monday, 11 March 2024, residents can book the delivery of a skip bin to their residence through the Council. Once filled, Council will promptly pick up the bin.Trangie residents interested in availing of this free service are encouraged to contact Narromine Shire Council at 6889 9999 to schedule the delivery of their bulk rubbish collection bin.To ensure the success and relevance of this trial service, Council may request residents to participate in a satisfaction survey. The feedback gathered will help gauge the need and interest of Trangie residents in continuing or expanding such services.It's important to note that there is no additional charge for the first "click and collect" bulk rubbish removal service. This service offer is only available to residents within the Trangie town area for the trial period.For further information or inquiries, please contact Narromine Shire Council by phoning 6889 9999.

Coonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic, due to recent rainfall. Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out. Council appreciates travellers’ self-discipline to stay off unsealed roads to minimise damage to the road structure.  Road users are reminded that: 1.   They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type.2.   Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.3.   Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.4.   Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.                     5.   Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.                              6.   Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.7.   Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.                                   It is anticipated that local unsealed roads will be closed for a number of days due to recent storm activity. Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change, with updated conditions available through www.livetraffic.com and its associated smartphone app.Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER

Coonamble Shire Council advises the travelling public that ALL UNSEALED ROADS are currently CLOSED to all non-essential traffic, due to recent rainfall. Primary producers are kindly requested to reschedule the movement of heavy vehicles until the unsealed sections of the route between their properties and the sealed road network has thoroughly dried out. Council appreciates travellers’ self-discipline to stay off unsealed roads to minimise damage to the road structure.  Road users are reminded that: 1.   They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type.2.   Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.3.   Road conditions can change without warning and, if roads are open, drivers should travel with caution.4.   Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet.                     5.   Repairs to damaged roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.                              6.   Council prioritises repairs, with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.7.   Emergency vehicles are exempt from this directive, in the course of responding to legitimate emergencies.                                   Council staff periodically inspect roads during and after rain events and issue updated road bulletins as conditions change. Paul GallagherGENERAL MANAGER