The first stage of a feasibility study into constructing a flood bypass around the eastern side of Narrabri has been completed. A detailed ground survey of the route from the Namoi River upstream of Kaputar Road around the east of the township and back into Narrabri Creek just downstream of Logan’s Lane has been completed. A number of proposed channel routes were investigated and preliminary construction costs prepared.

The original concept for the proposed route has been revised during these investigations. The changes have been made to follow the path of least resistance and to best accommodate existing infrastructure and natural topography. The revised alignment provides an area of flood protected land in the town and industrial area which is larger than originally proposed at the expense of farming land adjacent to the town area.

The proposed flood bypass could transfer a significant volume of water away from the town of Narrabri around to the east. This would significantly reduce the impact of major flood events on the town. On average, a reduction in flood damage of around $2.7M per annum would be achieved. The cost of constructing the bypass would be of the order of $7.1 to $5.7M per annum depending on the life of the works (ignoring maintenance) and would at this stage appear to outweigh the benefit.