Jamieson Murphy

Firefighters are bracing for another horror day on firegrounds on Wednesday with several schools closed.

Whitehaven coal mine is denying its operations have led to groundwater drawdown.

Farmers in the pathway of a proposed $1-billion gas pipeline are disappointed they haven't heard from the company in more than eight years.

"If Google is correct, [Whitehaven CEO] Paul Flynn's wages per year are in excess of the total VPA offered," the councillor said.

"If the drought has taught us anything, it is that we must look at all measures to secure water."

"That is water that should go to recharging our aquifers and running into our creeks and rivers. It's an outrageous double-standard."

Company trying to build dams before Peel River is cut off.

Tamworth has roughly two years of water. However, should the city run dry, it would fall within months of the next federal election.

"This is a key test for the National Party and we urge them to vote for this bill."

If Tamworth's dam falls in to the low single figures, emergency services would take over the provision of the city's water.