WATER RESTRICTIONS CREEP CLOSER AS CHAFFEY DAM FALLS

Residents in Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal could be facing level one water restrictions as early as December.

That’s according to projections from Water New South Wales, after Chaffey Dam dipped below 50-per cent – for the first time since its augmentation in 2016.

It comes as the state government shifts its focus to further upgrades of the dam, after a $480-million price tag was put on the Dungowan Dam augmentation proposal.

“What we’ve got to do is get the best value for money. We’ve also got to think about water security for the Peel Valley, going into the next 20, 30, 40 years time. It’s not just about the city, it’s about agriculture, it’s about other associated industries,” Kevin Anderson, Member for Tamworth.

NOTE: AUDIO IN PARTS ONLY