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Council Serious About Water SavingsBass Coast Shire Council is instigating a series of water reduction initiatives in response to the region’s unprecedented water shortage. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 30th October 2006 - Back to News Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden announced that the water saving initiatives would be phased in to the two separate areas serviced by Westernport Water and South Gippsland Water.
"Council is committed to doing its bit to conserve water.
"The Westernport Water region is currently in Stage 3 water restrictions, but we have together agreed that Council will begin implementing restrictions in line with Stage 4 water restriction requirements.
"Although Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson and Inverloch are not yet facing restrictions, they have had permanent water saving rules in place since February. Council will be investigating how it can be even more proactive in this area," said Mr Bawden.
Shire-wide initiatives
Shire-wide initiatives to be implemented by Council include:
· Turning off wash down facilities at all boat ramps. Signs will be in place to notify users. Fish cleaning facilities, which are fitted with timed nozzles, will remain operational due to fishing regulations and public health issues.
· Shutting off external showers on all foreshore toilet blocks. Signs will be in place to notify users.
· No washing down of Council cars and trucks (except windscreens, mirrors and lights) with mains water or non-approved commercial facilities within the Bass Coast Shire.
· Council’s Environment team has developed a sustainability booklet for households to advise them on issues such as creating a waterless garden, which will be published early next year.
Westernport Water region
Westernport Water services Phillip Island and from The Gurdies to Archies Creek.
Initiatives to be implemented by Council within the next two weeks include:
· No watering of reserves, parks and garden beds. However, these should remain largely unaffected due to the high percentage of native and indigenous plants currently being used.
Newhaven and Cowes Recreation Reserves will be an exception as they have recycled water systems, which can be used once approval has been given by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The other exception will be the grass on the Cowes foreshore, which may require water trucked in from Wonthaggi to ensure that the grass cover does not die off and cause erosion.
· Replacing flowers in the roundabout near the Visitor Information Centre in Newhaven with indigenous plants that require little to no water. (Water will be trucked in from Wonthaggi for planting.)
· Using recycled water to allow Council’s Dust Suppression Program to continue (EPA guidelines are already in place for this).
· Using recycled water to allow the grading of unsealed roads to continue (this can only be implemented upon EPA approval).
· Placing signage on relevant Council vehicles notifying the use of recycled water.
· Investigating more water efficient ways to continue street and footpath sweeping programs.
· Assisting Westernport Water where necessary to ensure all reserve and foreshore committee managers are aware of the restrictions.
· Assisting Westernport Water to advise those applying for a building permit for a pool that a water permit from Westernport Water to fill the pool may not be forthcoming.
South Gippsland Water region
South Gippsland Water services Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson in the Bass Coast Shire and as far as Yarram, Port Albert, Poowong and Nyora.
Initiatives to be implemented by Council over the coming weeks and months include:
· Cutting back on the watering of reserves, parks and garden beds.
· Investigate the use of an alternative water supply for the watering of all flower beds.
· Shutting off unused emergency water stand pipe in Wonthaggi to ensure unauthorised use does not occur.
Mr Bawden said that Council would continue to work closely with both Westernport Water and South Gippsland Water over the coming months.
"I envisage these restrictions will stay in place until we receive advice otherwise from the water authorities," Mr Bawden advised.
If you require further advice about the current restrictions or water saving rules in place in your region please contact Westernport Water on 1300 720 711 or South Gippsland Water on 5682 0444 or visit their websites at www.westernportwater.com.au or www.sgwater.com.au. Or for water wise initiatives that you can implement in the home visit: www.savewater.com.au.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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