Earlier this week, elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) were detected in Warialda’s water supply.

PFAS are chemicals used to make products which resist heat, stains, grease and water. PFAS chemicals remain in the environment, including water and soil, for a long time.

PFAS chemicals can build up in the body and take a long time to be removed. Gwydir Shire Council is having all the bores tested and if a single bore is confirmed as the source of the contamination, that bore can be isolated from the reservoir supply. Results will be known mid next week.

Currently, Warialda’s water is still safe to wash, swim and perform household tasks.

Advice from NSW Health is the level of PFAS in the water supply is unlikely to cause any adverse effects if consumed.

Free bottled water will continue to be available from the Tourist Information Centre all weekend. I will be there assisting council staff on Saturday.

I will continue to provide updates when available.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please reach out to the Armidale or Moree Electorate offices.

Residents of Warialda are encouraged to keep an eye on the GSC website and Facebook page for updates.

Brendan Moylan attended the Glen Innes High School annual awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Healthcare

I have continued to raise concerns about the lack of General Practitioners across the Northern Tablelands with the relevant ministers as well as the Federal Government.

As it stands, the Federal Government is responsible for private practice GPs and Medicare while the State Government is responsible for provision of public hospitals, healthcare services, the regulation of private hospitals and healthcare providers.

To address the chronic shortage of GPs in private practice across the region, we need the Federal Government in Canberra to step up and make it more attractive for students to train and work in regional Australia as GPs.

As a State MP, I have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government for not doing enough and will continue to do so. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park is of the same opinion and has openly criticised the Federal Government for their lack of action.

The Federal Government needs to do more and I will continue to push for things in healthcare to improve.

New police constables

I was able to catch up with the six new probationary police constables who have joined the ranks in the Northern Tablelands this week.

They will be stationed at the Armidale, Inverell and Moree offices where they will receive 12 months’ worth of on-the-job training. I am sure the communities will welcome these young officers with open arms.

Inverell Satellite Office

I am pleased to announce Inverell will be home to a satellite electorate office in 2025. We are in the process of finalising details but it will be open for two days a week. Keep an eye out for updates on opening times.

School presentations

The school year is almost over and I have had the pleasure of attending more end-of-year presentations this week.

I was able to visit Glen Innes High School, Gravesend Public School and St. Philomena’s Catholic School for their annual awards ceremonies. Well done to all students and teachers who were honoured for fantastic years.

Mobile office in Nowendoc

On Monday, December 16, I will be heading to Nowendoc for a mobile office. It is a great opportunity to catch up with the community and talk about any concerns you may have. I will be at the Nowendoc Hall from 10.30am until 12pm.

Community Building Partnerships grants

The 2025 Community Building Partnership program will open on 28 January 2025. Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 are available for infrastructure projects which deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes, while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

For more information and eligibility criteria, visit nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-building-partnership-2025

Christmas closing dates

Our Moree and Armidale Electorate Offices will be closed over the Christmas period. The last day for the year will be Friday, December 20 and they will re-open Monday, January 6, 2025.

Until then, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands