Proposed water restriction changes for Toowoomba Region

With the drought continuing to impact large parts of Queensland, the Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee has made a recommendation to revise residential water restrictions throughout the Region. Water and Waste Committee Chair Nancy Sommerfield said changes to the current restriction levels would help ensure water security for the community. “The drought affects our entire community and it’s important we alter our water restriction levels and targets based on the current conditions,” she said. “Our data tells us this drought is more severe than the millennium drought, and as such, we’ve made recommendations to the existing water restriction levels and trigger points that are more reflective of this. “The water restriction levels being proposed are simpler to understand and set targets that balance social amenity, financial implications and water security across the entire Region.” Proposed water restriction levels for the entire Region: Restriction Level Current (L/p/d) Proposed (L/p/d) Low 200 200 Medium 200 175 High 170 150 Extreme 140 125 “Water is such a precious commodity. More effective measures will ensure water security and minimise adverse impacts on the community,” Cr Sommerfield said. “In addition to the proposed water restriction levels, Council will move all areas of the Region currently on low level restrictions to medium level restrictions from Monday 2 December 2019. “The communities affected by this are Haden, Kulpi, Milmerran and all residents connected to the Toowoomba Bulk Supply. “At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. By moving these communities to medium level restrictions we’re sending a message to our residents that says we can all play a vital role in water security for the Region. “Council continues to monitor our water supplies and is working with the other levels of government and the private sector to explore long-term water supply options. “As part of the new restriction levels, there will also be changes to times when residents are able to water around the house, so I encourage all residents to visit our website and become familiar with the level they are on.” The committee recommendation will go before the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 22 October 2019 for formal adoption. For more detail on water restrictions, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water or contact Council on 131 872.