Uralla Shire Council Welcomes WaterNSW Experts to Strengthen Kentucky
Published on 14 April 2025
Uralla Shire Council is proud to announce its partnership with WaterNSW under the NSW Government’s Town Water Risk Reduction Program (TWRRP), with a site visit to Kentucky Creek Dam scheduled for 23 April 2025.
The visit marks the beginning of an important collaboration focused on enhancing dam safety and water quality for the Uralla community. WaterNSW, a recognised leader in the management of dam infrastructure across the state, will work alongside Council staff to provide expert advice on the next five-yearly risk review of the dam as required under the Dams Safety Act 2015.
Michaela Sisk, Manager Water and Wastewater at Uralla Shire Council, welcomed the opportunity to work with WaterNSW.
“This collaboration with WaterNSW is a fantastic opportunity for our team to build on existing knowledge and ensure we’re meeting the highest standards in dam safety and water quality. By working together, we’re strengthening the resilience of our local infrastructure and helping secure reliable water services for the Uralla community well into the future,” Sisk said.
The TWRRP, coordinated by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), connects local councils with technical experts to build capacity and improve water outcomes across the state.
This partnership reflects Council’s proactive approach to asset management and community safety. By working with WaterNSW, Council is strengthening local capability and ensuring that vital infrastructure like Kentucky Creek Dam remains safe and resilient—particularly in preparation for future challenges such as droughts, floods, and water quality concerns.
WaterNSW Executive Manager Strategy and Performance, Fiona Smith, noted the importance of collaboration in the water sector:
“One of the big lessons from the most recent drought is the need for stronger partnerships to build expertise and deliver better access to niche skills outside the traditional scope of local government. That’s exactly what this program provides.”
To date, more than 90 local water utilities have benefited from the TWRRP, receiving support in technical areas, workforce development, and infrastructure upgrades. The program has now been extended until June 2028, ensuring continued opportunities for councils like Uralla to improve services for their communities.
DCCEEW Director of Local Water Utilities, Jane Shepherd, reinforced the program’s impact:
“We’ve teamed up with the best in the business to provide councils with the tools and expertise needed to deliver clean, reliable drinking water and maintain critical infrastructure like dams.”
Uralla Shire Council looks forward to continuing this valuable partnership with WaterNSW and DCCEEW, as it works to ensure a safe and sustainable water future for the region.