Community update on response to fish deaths in Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka
Community update from the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment:
Increased flows commencing today to support fish and river health
Please be advised that water quality conditions are deteriorating in the Darling-Baaka River at, and below, Menindee due to high temperatures, and persistent stratification* which could lead to hypoxic conditions when the water mixes. Coupled with increasing volumes of algae which deplete oxygen levels at night, we anticipate that oxygen in the water could reduce rapidly which could lead to fish deaths.
To combat this, we are commencing a pulse of water starting at 600M/L a day from today. This will increase to 1000 M/L a day on Saturday and Sunday after which we will gradually reduce the flows back to 550M/L a day to maintain river and fish health. Any flows above 550ML/day will be accounted against the water quality allowance. This water is being taken from Lake Pamamaroo. The temporary sensor installed downstream of Lake Wetherell Main Weir is showing the water being released from Lake Pamamaroo is well oxygenated and in the safe range for fish health.
We apologise for the short notice, but water quality conditions are dynamic and we need to act rapidly to prevent the risk of fish deaths. We are monitoring conditions in the river regularly.
*(Stratification means that the top layer of water tends to be warm and well-oxygenated compared to the deeper water that is colder and has less oxygen. The longer stratification goes on, the more chance there is that the oxygen in the bottom level is depleted. When the top and bottom water mixes (destratification), the result is water that is low in oxygen).
View the full Community update from the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment below:
Pooncarie Road – project update
Wentworth Shire Council recommenced earthworks on the final 26.5 kilometres of unsealed road between Pooncarie and Menindee in July 2023, following 8 months of flood related delays.
The $9.2 million project is jointly funded on a 50:50 basis with the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Growing Local Economies Fund with Office of Regional Development.
The upgrade allows road users to access the road in all weather conditions, removing over 600km of road detours when the road is impacted by wet weather-related road closures.
Bitumen sealing has now been completed, with guide posts, linemarking and signage underway.
The project is due for completion by the end of November.
SecureEnergy Construction Notification
As part of the EnergyConnect project, construction activities on the Western section of the project including construction of access points and access tracks, clearing and grubbing and drainage installation along multiple sites off the Silver City Highway are continuing.
In order to carry out this work safely and minimise impacts to the community, we are planning to work outside approved construction hours from early-October 2023 until late-January 2024. The timing and type of work may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
For further information, visit the Secure Energy website: https://www.secureenergyjv.com.au/work-outside-approved-construction-hours-western-section/
Wentworth Shire Libraries is looking for feedback
Wentworth Shire Libraries would like to receive feedback from community members and library visitors.
Your feedback can help to tailor the future programs, events and services that the Libraries provide.
2023 Mayoral Election Results
Wentworth Shire Council has formally elected Councillor Daniel Linklater as Mayor and Councillor Susan Nichols as Deputy Mayor during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 20 September.
The former Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Tim Elstone was congratulated by Mayor Linklater on his time in the role.
“Tim is a consummate community man and for the last 7 years has served as either Deputy or Mayor. Councillor Elstone has led us through the recent flood experience, which I don’t believe like anyone else could in this room. It was a 7 day a week commitment and the community thanks you for that. I also thank you for your encouragement to me and your mentoring, I look forward to continuing to work with you.”
“I would like to thank the chamber for your support, it is really humbling to be elected by this community and an honour to be supported by my peers here. It is my intention to serve as collaboratively as possible.” Councillor Linklater said.
Former Mayor Elstone who held the role of Mayor from 10 January 2022, and Deputy Mayor since 2016, commended his fellow Councillors for their involvement and participation during his term with Council.
Councillor Jane MacAllister stood against fellow Councillor Daniel Linklater for the Mayoral role and against Councillor Susan Nichols for nomination of Deputy Mayor.
Council will next meet on Wednesday 18 October from 7:00pm at the Wentworth Shire Council Chambers.
To view the Councillors of Wentworth Shire Council, visit: https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/…/about…/councillors/