FARMERS in the region will be able to access free drinking water, following a unanimous vote at this week's Tamworth council meeting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mayor Col Murray has encouraged local primary producers to apply for a swipe card which will allow them to have free access to drinking water from the new stations in locations where level water restrictions aren't in place.
"As this devastating drought continues, council wants to ensure those which are most impacted - our farmers and other residents not connected to town water - will have access to the drinking water they need," Cr Murray said.
READ MORE:
"The introduction of a card system means we make sure they can have water without cost from the new bulk water refill stations."
Farming families, if they meet certain requirements can be issued with a swipe card to access free water from any bulk water refill station located in an area which isn't under level four measure.
Stations in Nundle, Tamworth and Kootingal are only accessible to commercial water carters.
Cards for free access to water will only be issued to owners of a property located within the Tamworth Regional Council area who can provide a current NSW Local Land Services rates notice for that property.
The application form can be accessed online.
The swipe card system allows Council to monitor the amount of water being accessed by each user.
There is a limit of three kilolitres of free water each week for each card.
Any cardholder breaching the limit will have their access revoked.
The council also voted to install a new bulk water filling station at Attunga, the only Tamworth council village which remains on the lowest level of restrictions.
