Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka and Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke both welcomed the flood protection funding. Photo: Supplied.
Narrandera is set to receive $14.1 million from the Commonwealth Government to help safeguard the population from future flooding events.
However, the shire is still waiting for money to address ongoing problems with its drinking water.
For years, the council has been urging the NSW Government to commit funds to allow it to build a new water treatment plant.
The tap water in the area has varied in quality since 2020, with residents sometimes complaining the water is brown and posting samples on social media.
“The Commonwealth Government is doing its part to address the water concerns of Narrandera residents. We now need to see the same level of commitment from the NSW Government,” Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke said.
“The Minister for Water and the NSW Premier are well aware of the concerns that have been raised by this community.
“We need to see new funding committed to the Safe and Secure Water Program, or the creation of a new funding mechanism that supports town water projects in rural NSW.
“Our residents should not be forced to fight year after year for something as basic as clean and safe drinking water.”
A photo of Narrandera tap water posted on social media in 2021. Photo: I Live in Narrandera Facebook.
The good news for residents is that a critical stormwater upgrade can finally proceed, with the council contributing $3.5 million to supplement the federal funding.
The upgrade will deliver an improved stormwater system designed to withstand a 1 per cent AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) flood event.
Key works include 1250 metres of 3.6 metre box culvert, a reinforced concrete base, inlets, protection works, and a new stormwater pump station with full mechanical and electrical components. Once underway, the project is expected to take about 18 months to 2 years.
Mayor Neville Kschenka said the funding marked a significant and positive turning point for Narrandera.
“Strengthening our flood defences has been a major priority for council and our community,” he said.
“This investment allows us to deliver essential infrastructure that will make a real difference to the safety and resilience of Narrandera.”
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke echoed these sentiments.
“As the local Member and former emergency services minister, I saw firsthand the devastation the 2022 floods caused in Narrandera,” Ms Cooke said.
“The current stormwater system is simply unable to cope with flash flooding or Riverine flooding, placing homes, public and commercial infrastructure, and lives at risk.
“I want to thank the Commonwealth Government for stepping up to support this community and helping ensure we can keep this town and its people safe from future flooding.
“I also want to acknowledge councillors and council staff, led by Mayor Neville Kschenka and Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Shane Willson, for their strong advocacy and thorough business case.”
