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Coonabarabran Times THURSDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY 2023
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COONABARABRAN – THE ASTRONOMY CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA
Council faces troubled waters Unscheduled closures of pool facilities in the height of summer have left many locals hot and bothered. Coonabarabran Memor ia l Sw imming Pool was closed to the public again last week, with Warrumbungle Shire C ou n c i l c it i n g pu bl i c health regulations. C ounci l a n nounced the closure on Thursday, 2 F e b r u a r y, s t a t i n g the wat er wa s “ bei ng monitored” to ensure the safety of pool users. A spokesperson from Council said they had been alerted to a change in the water colour at the Coonabarabran Pool. “As a safety measure, the pool was closed and it took several days of
cleaning and chemical dosi ng t o ba la nce the water and safely open the pool to the public again,” the spokesperson said. W h i l e t h e C oon abarabran T imes had received a number of reports outlining that vandalism had played a part in the recent closure, Council clarified that this was not the case. “Council has not received reports of vandalism.” Water woes The disappointing news came on the back of several short-term pool closures, in a season already marked
by life attendant shortages, restricted timetables and poor maintenance. The seven-day hiatus last week i nt er fered with scheduled training and events at the pool, including Coonabarabran Public School’s annual swimming carnival, which was relocated to Binnaway Memorial Swimming Pool at the last minute. Other weekly community activities such as Coona Aqua Aerobics and Swimming Club were also cancelled. The pool was reopened to season key holders on Friday, 10 February and to
the public the following day, however, many patrons remain disheartened by the ongoing interruptions a nd t he st at e of p o ol management. Despite the unusual recu r rence of wat er quality issues at Coonabarabran Pool, a Council spokesperson said that “a reason has not been isolated.” Council is not offering partial refunds to season key holders at this stage, stating that this would be a question “for councillors to decide at the end of the season.”
Risk of failure for essential bores Water supplies to Baradine and Kenebri are at imminent risk of failure, while other bores in Warrumbungle Shire are in urgent need of maintenance. by CHRIS WARD 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. The situation will be addressed at Council’s monthly meeting tonight Thursday, 16 February. 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 alter native infrastructure.
From lifeguard shortages to water quality issues, Coonabarabran Town Pool has been plagued by problems this summer.
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1 - Coonabarabran Times, Thursday, 16th February 2023
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