We are having more extreme and unpredictable weather events now and these event will continue. It is essential that Tamworth City Council recycles the water that residents use so that our farmers will receive a much greater share of our water than they have had previously. Is is also of vital importance that our catchment areas are protected.

Many areas such as London and Singapore, whose residents have the same illnesses and treatments as us, have been recycling both greywater and sewage into potable water for years. Perth W.A. is in the process of doing so. There are no problems with the science or engineering feasibility of recycling water and the Australian National Guidelines on recycling water for drinking were established in 2008. The cost will be an investment in sustaining our water supply.

The State Minister for Western NSW, Adam Marshall, will support councils that want to recycle waste water into potable water. Tamworth Regional Council should request this support so that more water will be available for our farmers. Waste water is already available. Waiting for enough rain to fill a dam yet to be built will take many years.

Water is precious and Tamworth Regional Council residents have the right of transparency in water management . Residents have the right to know where our water is going and why.

I would like to know Tamworth Regional Council's response to the Proposed changes to the Water Sharing Plan arrangements for the Namoi and Peel Unregulated River Water Sources. Part 10 Minister's note, as explained by representatives of the NSW Dept of Planning, Industry and Environment, will allow water intensive industries such as mining in unregulated water sources e.g..the headwaters the Peel river. This would certainly result in less water available for farming and residential use.

Robyn Bird, Calala

Our inaugural Walk 'n' Talk Tamworth with founder Shannon Nevin in attendance, took its first steps in Bicentennial Park last Sunday. We were so delighted with the amazing turnout of over 70 people from all over the region to support our endeavours to help with mental illness and suicide prevention. This event will take place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10am at the same location. Look out for the bright yellow gazebo and come for a free BBQ and Walk'n'Talk T-shirt. All ages welcome including dogs.

We would like to thank in particular Len Waters for his Welcome to Country, Toni at Coles for the water, Alastair at Woolworths for the BBQ essentials and Brian Penrose for the delicious sausages. Thank you for supporting us. Others who played a major role in ensuring the launch was so well attended are Prime7 News, NBN News, 88.9FM, The Northern Daily Leader and the many of you who spread the word by mouth or via posters. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you at Bicentennial Park by the big slide on December 8th at 10am.

Olly and Katie Taylor, Tamworth