On a Wingen and a prayer

As you drive along the New England Highway you might be excused for ignoring the attractions of the little township of Wingen. Its major claim to fame is being adjacent to the world’s oldest coal seam fire known as the Burning Mountain which is notable for often not being very “burning” at all when you make the effort and walk along the trail at the nature reserve for a gander.

However in December 2009 Wingen has hit the headlines because for the first time in years the bores have run dry and along with residents all over the Upper Hunter region, Wingenites are having to truck their water in.

The Newcastle Herald reports:

Herald weather expert Don White said there was little hope of relief, with the Hunter expecting a very dry, hot summer.

Mr White said rainfall was predicted to be less than average, temperatures above average and evaporation levels increasing.

The Upper Hunter Shire Council implemented level one water restrictions in Scone and Murrurundi on Thursday.

Read the report in the Newcastle Morning Herald