Water security was at the top of Armidale Regional Council's Ordinary Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, March 27, as Cr Peter Bailey said put forward a resolution, which he said would ensure Armidale kept its market leading edge with a strong water supply, both now and into the future, by gaining federal funding to double the size of Malpas Dam.
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Cr Bailey's proposal was that "Council receive a briefing on the draft 30 year Infrastructure Plan for Water and Waste Water, which begins a program to significantly enhance the water storage capacity of the Armidale region", was seconded by Cr Andrew Murat and passed unanimously by council.
What I am trying to do is get it on the agenda ...
- Cr Peter Bailey
Following the meeting, Armidale Mayor Simon Murray described Cr Bailey's resolution as futuristic and said such changes would not happen overnight.
"So, what we've actually got to do is plan for it. To raise the water level in Malpas Dam will cost a lot of money and we have to do all of the planning before even applying for the funding to do it." he said.
"We should be starting now. We don't want to get 20 years down the track and suddenly realise we need a lot more water because the environment's changed."
It is something I have been endorsing for the last five or six years.
- Cr Andrew Murat
At the meeting, Cr Bailey spoke for the motion and said Malpas Dam was only one facet of a solution.
"I'm not only talking about possible extensions to Malpas Dam, but also what can we do to better harness Puddledock, what we can also do with challenges we may face with water treatment plant and sewerage," he said.
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"What I am trying to do is get it on the agenda and I think there is money available Federally.
"If we want the horticultural industry to expand we've got to ensure that we can provide them with the water supply for not only now, but as this water supply has done, for the next 50 years."
Cr Bailey said he would like to see council come up with a plan to take to government for funding.
Cr Murat endorsed Cr Bailey's comments.
"It is something I have been endorsing for the last five or six years," he said.
"The financial implications for the Armidale Region to attract intensive agricultural businesses is important and the jobs growth will solidify our position in this region."
Cr O'Connor said agreed with the resolution, saying it was a matter of great significance that we watch our water carefully.
