NARRANDERA’S FLOOD DEFENCE STRENGTHENED WITH MAJOR FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Monday, 17 November 2025​ 

Narrandera will receive $14.1 million from the Commonwealth to help safeguard the community from future flooding events. 

Narrandera Shire Council has committed a further $3.5 million, ensuring this critical stormwater upgrade can finally proceed. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who has been working closely with Council since the severe flooding of 2022, welcomed the announcement. 

“As the local Member and former Emergency Services Minister, I saw firsthand the devastation the 2022 floods caused in Narrandera,” Ms Cooke said. 

“The current stormwater system is simply unable to cope with flash flooding or Riverine flooding, placing homes, public and commercial infrastructure, and lives at risk. 

“I want to thank the Commonwealth Government for stepping up to support this community and helping ensure we can keep this town and its people safe from future flooding. 

“I also want to acknowledge Councillors and Council staff, led by Mayor Neville Kschenka and Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Shane Willson, for their strong advocacy and thorough business case.” 

With one of Narrandera’s two highest priorities now funded, securing a new Water Treatment Plant remains the key unresolved issue. 

Eyes now turn to the NSW Labor Government, with the Minister for Water yet to commit funding to address the inconsistent quality of the town’s drinking water. 

“The Commonwealth Government is doing its part to address the water concerns of Narrandera residents. We now need to see the same level of commitment from the NSW Government,” Ms Cooke said. 

“The Minister for Water and the NSW Premier are well aware of the concerns that have been raised by this community.  

“We need to see new funding committed to the Safe and Secure Water Program, or the creation of a new funding mechanism that supports town water projects in rural NSW. 

“Our residents should not be forced to fight year after year for something as basic as clean and safe drinking water.”