🌱 Gunnedah: Leading the Charge on Water, Food, and Fibre Security
- Keira Gifford
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
By CJ Baldry Adams – President, Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce
Water is not just a resource. It’s the foundation of our economy, our communities, and our way of life in the Namoi region. With industries rooted in food and fibre, Gunnedah’s future prosperity depends on how we manage, value, and protect this lifeblood.
Yet right now, we face a pivotal moment. The decisions being made today around water infrastructure—without robust local consultation - could reshape the direction of our region for generations.
💧 Why Gunnedah Must Be at the Table
The now-abandoned Dungowan Dam expansion plan left a void. No alternative options were properly evaluated. In response, the Manning Valley pipeline is emerging as a preferred solution—but its implications for Gunnedah and surrounding districts must not be overlooked.
Gunnedah is not just a water source. It is a solution in itself.
If Tamworth's access to water remains unreliable, Gunnedah becomes the obvious region of choice - for business investment, for families, and for future population growth. We are well-resourced, strategically positioned, and sustainably strong.
But our voice must be loud, united, and informed.
🌾 Water, Food, Fibre – Our Future Depends On It
At the recent Upper Namoi Water Symposium (March 17, Tamworth), I was honoured to represent the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and share insights from our “Gunnedah Beyond 2050” strategy.
The event brought together landholders, business operators, irrigators, and policymakers. The message was clear: collaboration and co-designed solutions are essential. The time for siloed decision-making is over.
Key contributors included:
Stephanie Cameron – Chair, Local Land Services NW
Prof Paul Martin – University of New England
Dr Sarah Pearson – Chancellor, University of New England
Xavier Martin – President, NSW Farmers
Wayne Chaffey – Chair, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association
Cr. Craig Davies – Past President, Murray Darling Association
Together, we explored how keeping water in landscapes, aquifers, and vegetation is far more effective than relying solely on evaporative, shallow infrastructure. Groundwater must be protected. Policy must serve the long-term interests of resilience, sustainability, and industry prosperity.
🔊 Gunnedah Chamber: Calling for Accountability & Action
We are stepping up. The Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce is launching a Water Security Roundtable - bringing together farmers, businesses, industries, and communities.
Water security isn’t just an issue for boardrooms or parliament. It’s a topic for every dinner table in our region. Everyone needs to understand what’s at stake, and how policy decisions being made elsewhere may impact our future.
As Mark Twain once said: “Whisky is for drinking. Water is for fighting over.”
✅ Get Involved – Help Shape the Future
Now is the time to be heard. Whether you’re a grower, a business owner, a resident, or a decision-maker - your voice matters.
Join the Roundtable
Stay informed on the policies shaping our future
Help position Gunnedah as the region of choice for sustainable growth
📩 To get involved, contact us via secretary@gunnedah.org.au. Let’s unite for water, food, fibre - and for a thriving Gunnedah Beyond 2050.
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