Simon Says

Thanks for question, Jillian.

We received a range of feedback from that committee and other community members when we consulted with the community about the proposed Beardy Street Mall upgrade in 2018.

The mall upgrade  is one of a number of strategies being developed by Council for public spaces in the Armidale region and it became evident they would all benefit from an overarching strategy to ensure they all complemented one another. Council is therefore currently developing a 2040 Plan and Local Strategic Planning Statement that will guide each of the plans and maximise their benefit to the community. Both the 2040 Plan and Local Strategic Planning Statement will go on public exhibition for further input from the community. Residents should start to see recommendations and objectives from that 2040 statement in coming months.

Construction of the new playground has commenced with public amenities now installed and the project is forecast for completion towards the second half of the year. 

Water levels in Guyra, Malpas and Puddledock dams have increased with recent rainfall, however, Level 5 restrictions remain across the Armidale region.

Council is assessing long term weather forecasts for the next six months and monitoring water quality and water consumption patterns to ensure long-term water security. A decision will be made around water restrictions following further assessment of these factors.

Hi Elsie,

There's no identified period of high activity that requires speed restrictions or additional signage to be implemented in the area. 
There are warning signs along Dumaresq Street to indicate pedestrians and Council's Traffic Committee continually monitor and assess areas, particularly where public facilities are located such as the pool, to ensure the safety of community members. 

The elevator in the Armidale Library is operational but now requires additional accreditation in line with prevailing safety standards. The process is underway to have the necessary accreditation in place. Council has made the decision to not operate the lift until full accreditation is obtained.

In the meantime, resources likely to be sought by library patrons who might use the lift have been moved down to the ground floor so they are easily accessible. Library team members are also on hand and happy to assist with accessing any other resources and services.

Hi B.White,

The Armidale Truck Wash is owned and operated by Council.

To achieve a balance between water conservation during water restrictions and meeting the needs of local transporters, the Armidale Truck Wash is being opened every Thursday to coincide with the weekly sale yards day. It is open on these days from 6.30am to approximately 8pm.

The Guyra Truck Wash is privately owned by the operators of the Truck Stop Service Station. 

Hi Sandy,

Thanks for your question.

Council’s drought management plan has set trigger points for the introduction of water restrictions based on water levels in the dams that supply town water.

Levels in Malpas Dam (the catchment for the Armidale town water supply) did not drop to the first trigger level until March 2019.

We are now in unchartered territory for the area.

Water restrictions have not previously been initiated in the Armidale district, which has an average annual rainfall of around 800mm. In comparison, just over 200mm has fallen in the catchment so far in 2019.

In response to this extended dry spell, and predictions of higher-than-average temperatures and continued dry conditions, restrictions have been escalated to ensure supply is maintained.

Hi Denise,

Thank you for your question.

Council acknowledges raising the Malpas Dam wall to increase capacity has the potential to address water security for the Armidale region. As part of that process, Council has engaged a specialist consultant to help determine how this might be achieved - taking into consideration economic, environmental and dam safety requirements. Council is also in discussion with relevant regulatory and Government agencies to ensure the project can be delivered in a timely manner to support the region.

Council’s March Ordinary meeting resolved:

That Council receive a briefing on the draft 30-year Infrastructure Plan for Water and Waste Water which begins a program to significantly enhance the water storage capacity of the Armidale region.

Our concept and planning process is very much in the early stages. Even with our efforts and cooperation from all parties to fast-track the process, it will take a number of years before increased capacity will be in place.

Hi Lauren,

Council has been working with the hospital to develop its Water Saving Action Plan and it was identified that the hydrotherapy pool has a substantial leak. Like other businesses with leaks, the hospital were advised that the leak needs to be repaired before the hydrotherapy pool can be filled.