Free mulch for water savings

Armidale region residents will have access to free mulch this weekend to assist with water saving during the ongoing drought.

Residents can visit the Armidale Waste Management Facility or Guyra Recycling & Transfer Station on Saturday or Sunday to receive a free ute and/or trailer load of mulch.

“Mulch can reduce evaporation from soil by up to 70% and will be valuable in protecting local gardens during the unprecedented drought that continues to grip our region and much of inland NSW,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

Armidale and Guyra both stepped up to Level 4 water restrictions on 20 May, banning the use of sprinklers, hoses and irrigation systems to water gardens. Level 4 restrictions also limit the use of buckets to recycled water such as laundry water.

“The elevation of restrictions to Level 4 for town water users in both districts was essential to protect the remaining supplies in our dams, which have fallen to 51% in Malpas Dam and less than 30% in Guyra dam.

“It is estimated Guyra Dam’s supply will run out in about 80 days - based on current consumption levels and the lack of any substantial forecast for the region – and levels in Malpas Dam are also becoming extremely concerning.

“The opportunity to apply mulch to gardens will help to safeguard the residential gardens that are so integral to the character of our region.”

Each household will have access to up two cubic metres of free mulch.

“We’re inviting residents to bring their utes and trailers to the Armidale or Guyra waste facilities between noon and 4.30pm on either of the two days,” Cr Murray said.

It will be limited to one visit per household and deliveries will not be available for the free supply. All loads must be covered before they leave the facilities.

“Not only does mulch conserve water and reduce the need for irrigation, it also moderates soil temperature, inhibits weed growth and, over time, improves the soil structure and health of plants,” he said.

Visit Council’s website for details about the water restrictions, as well as further information about mulch and compost supplies from Council’s waste management facilities.

Published on 27 May 2019