Copeton Dam has marked 50 years since its official opening. Inverell Mayor Kate Dight says the dam supports the town's domestic water supply, major industries and flood protection. She said the local economy, including the abattoir, Boss Engineering and a pet food factory, depends on the water security it provides. The dam is 54 per cent full, and the council holds a high security licence with WaterNSW, which owns the dam. Council did not plan any celebrations because it does not own the dam.
The Water Corporation will host a community meeting on Tuesday to explain its proposed desalination plant at Nanarup. Drop-in sessions will run at the Lower Kalgan Hall, with a community gathering from 5pm to 7.30pm. Staff will explain why the Lower Great Southern needs a new water source and how seawater desalination works. Local residents have raised concerns about noise and the industrialisation of a rural area. The State Government backs the plant, which was chosen over the Sandpatch site.
Firefighters have told MPs that limited water supplies slowed their response to wildfires during the UK's hottest summer on record. Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said fires spread faster because of the shortage. A survey found 81% of fire and rescue services had changed emergency plans where water access was a concern. A parliamentary committee has called for a national framework setting out water companies' duties during major fires. The government says it is holding a summit on wildfire preparedness.
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Gympie Regional Council is asking residents to consider the work behind their water supply during National Water Week. Council operates eight water treatment plants around the clock, producing more than 4,095 megalitres of drinking water each year. It also manages an extensive underground network of water mains. This financial year, the council has budgeted $49.6 million for water and wastewater upgrades and renewal projects. Mayor Glen Hartwig said residents can help conserve water by fixing leaks and using water efficiently.
Flows in Canungra Creek, the water source for the town of Canungra, have fallen below 15 megalitres per day after a lack of rainfall in the catchment. Seqwater and Urban Utilities have a joint drought response plan that will be activated if flows drop below seven megalitres per day. Seqwater says it is ready to respond if creek levels keep falling and is progressing long-term water supply solutions for the town. Urban Utilities is asking residents to keep saving water, such as taking shorter showers and watering gardens during cooler parts of the day.
Residents and experts have told the NSW Independent Planning Commission that a proposed silver, lead and zinc mine near Lue could pose health risks. A University of Queensland professor recommended moving Lue Public School, two kilometres from the site, citing potential lead dust exposure. The mine's proponent, Silver Mines Limited, says predicted health risks are very low and that the project has been independently reviewed. Concerns about water supply and drainage were also raised. The commission is due to make its determination by December 9.
A severe drought has been declared in six areas of England, with some reservoirs at critically low levels that threaten public water supplies. Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex are now in severe drought after the UK's hottest summer on record. Environment secretary Angela Eagle has yet to approve requests from three water companies to extend bans on non-essential use to businesses such as golf clubs. Ardingly reservoir is only 19% full, while Wimbleball stands at 16%, well below the usual level for this time of year.
Scenic Rim Council approved almost $250,000 in grants to community organisations at its September meeting. Recipients include the Beech Mountain Association, Beechmont Tennis Club, Community Cancer Care Canungra and Tamborine Mountain/Canungra Cricket Club. SEQWater plans an off-stream storage facility for Canungra, with construction due to begin in late 2028. Flows in Canungra Creek have dropped below 15 megalitres a day, and residents are urged to reduce water use. Warm, dry conditions have also raised bushfire risk, and a fire permit is required for fires larger than 2 metres in any direction.
Clermont residents on Cottonpatch Lane and Edge Street face an unplanned water supply outage on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, from 10am to 1pm. The outage is caused by a main water repair in Cottonpatch Lane and affects about 13 properties. Once supply returns, residents may see discoloured water. Those affected should flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushed water can be used on gardens and lawns.
Isaac Regional Council is asking Clermont residents to keep saving water after higher than normal levels of manganese were found in the town's raw water supply. The water treatment plant will not operate overnight while crews work on the issue. Storage levels are stable and not critical. The council says the town water supply remains safe to drink and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Residents with discoloured water are asked to run taps until it clears.
Hilltops Council says its service provider, Goldenfields Water, will carry out essential maintenance on a water trunk main on Wednesday 14 October 2026. The main runs between Rosehill Pump Station and Harden Balance Tank. Work will begin at 7 am and is expected to finish by 4 pm, and it may affect water supply for customers on that service line. Customers in the main Harden township are not expected to be affected. Residents experiencing any water interruptions are asked to contact the council on 1300 445 586.
Ronnie Bowen has retired after 16 years of service with Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council. A barbecue was held at the Hope Vale Water Treatment Plant on 9 October 2026 to celebrate his retirement. Mayor Bruce Gibson presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and a G-Shock Mudmaster watch. Gibson praised his work maintaining the community's water and sewer infrastructure. Bowen thanked colleagues for their support and said the job had made his family's living standards better.
