Minister for Water Rose Jackson will visit Walgett today to meet with the local community to get a better understanding of the water challenges facing their town.
“I promised Walgett residents that I would put their concerns about water quality front and centre and that’s what I am doing,” Ms Jackson said.
“The local community has said loudly and clearly, over a long period of time, that water quality and security is on top of their priority list, and I want them to know I am listening carefully and take everyone’s views seriously.
“There’s no doubt the level of risk to water security in remote towns like Walgett is too high and I am taking actions to address this.
“I am looking forward to getting out on the ground and meeting with locals face-to-face, including the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service and the Dharriwaa Elders Group, to hear what they have to say so I am in a stronger position to support and advocate for them moving forward.
“While I know there is no quick fix when it comes to water security in Walgett – I have already been making great headway in the short time I have been Minister by fast-tracking solutions to address a lot of these ongoing issues.
“I have been briefed and am aware that the department are working with Council to address these serious issues, but I have made it clear that we must act fast to fix this.
“It is not good enough to have local communities facing this level of uncertainty regarding the water quality and security. We need to do more and that is why I am here today to make sure this happens.
“From my briefings, it has been brought to my attention that the water treatment will commence as of mid-next week. I will be following the status of this closely to ensure there is no further delay.
“In addition, I have asked the department to provide ongoing training to help uplift the skills of Council’s water operations staff including remote support via video technology that will provide real-time assistance.
“But I want to make it clear the conversation doesn’t end here – I will continue to work with the Walgett community and the department to make sure we are looking at every option on the table to provide long term water security solutions.”
