Hands Off: group wants to end Tamworth's 'abuse' of Manilla's water

The residents, who seized control of the town's bulk water filling station by blockading it on Wednesday, have formed a group called 'Hands Off', which aims to lobby Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) to change its water policy.

In a letter addressed to councillors and council staff, the group expressed "their deep concern at the exploitation" of the town water supply for both Manilla and Barraba.

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The main concern is the "daily abuse and misuse" of the bulk filling station, with water carters using the water to "top up pools in Tamworth".

"While currently lawful, the situation is totally unethical and unsustainable," the letter states.

"The rampant use of Manilla's dire town water supply is being callously and indifferently allowed to be exploited by Tamworth council, specifically for the use of Tamworth residents.

"Manilla residents will not put up with this."

Along with the level four restrictions and an audit, the group demanded council "follow up all residents outside Manilla who have carted away more than 2000 litres and issue a warning" - an action which is legal under council's drought management plan.

TRC water director Bruce Logan has previously said it is difficult to police where the water goes, which would make an audit difficult.

Hands Off also wants only farmers and drought relief cardholders to be granted access to the bulk filling station, however, public access to the stations is already limited to domestic water carters at level four.

An earlier draft of the letter suggested Manilla and Barraba should secede from Tamworth Regional Council to form their own local government area, however the idea has since been scrapped.

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