Water supplies to Baradine and Kenebri are at imminent risk of failure, while other bores in Warrumbungle Shire are in urgent need of maintenance.

A report prepared for Warrumbungle Shire Council last year by independent contractor, ACS Equip revealed extensive issues with many of the bores within the shire.

Of major concern are the two bores that service Baradine and one out of Kenebri – being the only sources of water for both towns.

According to the report, continued use of each of these bores could result in ‘catastrophic bore failure’. While these bores were given the maximum rating of 5 (very poor), the Bugaldie bore is also at risk, having been given a score of 4 (poor). It was recommended not to be used in the long term, which could also lead to catastrophic failure.

One of Dunedoo’s two bores has also been identified as a concern, but in the interim can be supplemented by its other functioning bore. While the second bore is in good condition, the community will remain at risk with no back-up water supply.

Coonabarabran is in a similar situation with Bore 2 being highlighted and given a score of 5 (very poor). While it too is at risk of ‘catastrophic failure’, the town is now well supported by Timor Dam and 11 other functioning bores.

All six of the ‘at risk’ bores require extensive work in order to maintain a reliable potable water supply that will meet the NSW Health guidelines for groundwater. 

Recommendations

The recommendations tabled in the business paper prepared by Council are as follows:

1. Notes the information contained in the Bore Condition Assessment Project Update Report.
2. Allocates funding of $530,000 for the refurbishment of Dunedoo Bore, Baradine Backup Bore and the Baradine Main Bore as a matter of priority in the 2022/23 FY through QBRS 2 adjustments to Capital Works Program as follows: $400,000 from Timor Dam Safety Upgrades, and $130,000 from Baradine Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project.
3. Proceed to tender to refurbish the Dunedoo Town Wells, Baradine Backup Bore and the Baradine Main Bore via relining.
4. Consider options for the Kenebri and Bugaldie water supply schemes, including if Council continues to operate the schemes.
5. Does not refurbish Coonabarabran Bore 2 due to the availability of alternative infrastructure.

The situation was addressed at Council’s monthly meeting on Thursday, 16 February and results of this meeting are to be published in the latest issue of the Coonabarabran Times, out Thursday, 23 February. 

PHOTO: The first artesian bore to be sunk in Baradine was put down by the then Coonabarabran Shire Council and reported in the 2 July, 1915