CLARENCE VALLEY WATER RESTRICTIONS EXPLAINED NEW DIRECTOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT APPOINTED

Residents across the Clarence Valley are being asked to restrict town water consumption in line with Level 4 (Severe) Water Restrictions to avoid an LGA-wide boil water alert.

Currently only residents in Coutts Crossing are affected by the boil water alert. This is due to the village’s storage having to be topped up directly from the Nymboida River which had elevated levels of turbidity that exceeded the NSW Health levels for drinking water.

Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black said: “Over the past week, the water supply experienced the highest daily consumption levels in several years and this has triggered greater concern over the capacity of our stored water supply. If we are forced to continue to supply the higher demand, we will need to draw dirty water into the system which may trigger the need for an LGA-wide boil water alert.”

The situation has arisen because the water in the Nymboida River has a high turbidity level (is dirty) following recent rain events, and this impacts Council’s ability to draw water directly from that source. High turbidity has been experienced in the Shannon Creek Dam since the 2019 bushfires, exacerbated by the subsequent floods, restricting

Council’s use of that source also.

Until late last year, Clarence Valley water storage was being supplemented by accessing a return flow from Karangi Dam in Coffs Harbour. However, things changed late last year when Coffs Harbour Council advised, due to damage to a switchboard, it could no longer provide the Clarence Valley with return flow, leaving the Nymboida River as the only drinking water source.

In response Council approved implementation of a number projects including:

Construction of settling pond at Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant (RRWTP), which will enable the drawing of water from the Nymboida River and/ or Shannon Creek Dam when turbidity is higher than is currently acceptable;

Hire and installation of filtration units in the villages of Coutts Crossing and Glenreagh, both of which are affected by the raw water supply to Coffs Harbour.

These activities were commenced prior to Christmas and are nearing completion (weather permitting).

“Over the Christmas and summer period daily consumption, dirty water levels at the intake, and stored and treated water levels have been monitored around the clock to mitigate risk of water restrictions and a boil water alert with the assistance of the NSW Departments of Planning, Industry and Environment and Health staff,” Ms Black said.

In other positive news, recommencement of the return flow of water from Coffs Harbour was negotiated this week. This, coupled with the works already in train at RRWTP, Coutts Crossing and Glenreagh, is indicative of Council moving quickly to respond and resolve the current situation while causing the least amount of inconvenience to residents.

Clarence Valley Council’s Mayor, Cr Ian Tiley said: “The governing body has been kept abreast of the situation since it changed last year, and is appreciative of the staff effort to manage the situation and avoid water restrictions or boil water alerts over the Christmas period. Staff are monitoring the turbidity at the Nymboida River intake and as soon as it is safe to do so will draw more water into the system.

I am confident the inconvenience will be short-lived. ”

In the meantime, residents are asked to be patient and abide by the water restrictions.

All information released to date has been in accordance with policy and procedure as approved by the NSW Government.

Naomi Searle has been appointed to the key position of Director Sustainable Communities and Environment at Tweed Shire Council, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by an external agency.

Ms Searle brings more than 17 years’ local government experience across two states. She is currently Director Community and Commercial Services at the City of Busselton in Western Australia.

The role is a key member of Council’s Executive Leadership Team, working with General Manager Troy Green and three other directors.

She will lead many critical Council functions including parks and active communities, resource recovery, inclusive and creative communities, sustainability and environment, holiday parks and community care.

Ms Searle said she was excited by both the challenges and opportunities facing Tweed Shire Council.

“Having a passion for local government and regional communities,

I’m looking forward to relocating my young family to one of the most magnificent regions in Australia,” Ms Searle said.

“Busselton is located within the South West Australia International Biodiversity Hotspotrecognised for its high number of rare and endemic plants and animals - and is located on one of the most vulnerable coastlines in Western Australia.

“Similar to the Tweed Shire, I am acutely aware of the need to protect the natural environment our community so richly enjoys.

“This role at Tweed enables me to expand on my experience in community development and services, emergency recovery, infrastructure masterplans, environmental management plans and approval processes, commercial services and sport and recreation facility planning.

“I’m looking forward to becoming one of the Tweed Shire Council team and contributing to the future of a sustainable community.”

Ms Searle replaces long-serving and well-respected Council employee Stewart Brawley, who will be retiring after almost 33 years of service.

General Manager Troy Green welcomed Ms Searle’s appointment.

“I look forward to welcoming Naomi to the Tweed and to her contribution as we work towards achieving Council’s strategic objectives to fulfil the community’s vision and aspirations in the Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032,” Mr Green said.

“I believe Naomi has the experience and leadership skills to successfully deliver on the key priorities of this key role, including significant environmental outcomes.

“I’d like to thank the current Director, Stewart Brawley, who will be farewelling Council to enjoy a wellearned retirement with his family at Pottsville. His vast experience, knowledge, calm approach and friendship will be greatly missed.”

Ms Searle will start work with Council on 17 April 2023.