Tamworth drought: council to address key water decision-makers at the Local Government NSW water conference in Narrabri

While the annual Local Government NSW water conference is considered an opportunity to listen, for Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) it's a chance to lobby the people who's decisions impact local water security, deputy mayor Phil Betts said.

"I want to talk to these key decision-makers to ensure we are really heard about the water-sharing plans and future water security for the Tamworth region," he said.

"We had the worst drought on record and a dire water situation across the state and now is not the time to drop the ball on the forefront.

"The biggest thing I would like to see changed, and it's not just water-sharing, but postage stamp pricing for water across the state because the current situation is that the Peel River is the highest priced in the state and it's really putting our community at a disadvantage."

NSW Housing and Water Minister Melinda Pavey is expected to give an address at the conference in Narrabri, as is the NSW Commissioner for Resilience Shane Fitzsimmons.

Red tape around the use of wastewater on gravel roads and research on the possible use of recycled water in the construction and maintenance of gravel roads will be brought to the crowd's attention by Namoi Unlimited, of which TRC is a member.

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The council's water and waste director Bruce Logan said the annual water conference is a good opportunity for people to get together and network.

"But also to listen to some people speak on the issues that are current as of today, and drought and water security will be one of them," he said.

"We'll actually be presenting to the conference on some of our experiences with drought, so that's an opportunity to share with the wider audience."

The conference is on July 7 to 9.

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