Smart water strategies key to business resilience

Armidale Regional Council is working with high water use businesses and the broader business community to develop stronger water saving measures during drought to ensure our region remains resilient and open for business.

Like a number of towns and cities in regional NSW, the Armidale region is experiencing the effects of unprecedented drought conditions. Water restrictions are critical to protect the Armidale region’s vibrant community. Residents and businesses need to take responsibility for aggressive water conservation at Level 5 to extend the water supply as long as possible until the next major rain event.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Simon Murray said that now is the time to act and review how you use water in your business to identify water saving strategies.

“We are assisting businesses to develop innovative strategies to become smarter water users,” said Cr Murray.

“As the water utility Council’s role now is not to shut businesses down that use too much water but to help those businesses to become smarter and more resilient.

“I am confident that by modifying our behaviour and attitude to water and implementing changes now we will be far better placed to deal with current and future droughts.

“We don’t know when the drought will break and what the future will bring but for now our goal is to sustain business and work together to save water.”

Council has identified the region’s top water users and is working one-on-one with those organisations to develop a Water Saving Action Plan and reduce water use by up to 25 percent. The plan includes a free audit of the business to identify opportunities for water saving, access to a business rebate scheme, water saving promotional pack and ongoing support to reduce water consumption. 

The broader business community is also being asked to save water and will be invited to industry workshops to share water saving ideas and pledge a commitment to water conservation.

Businesses that utilise outside watering and have previously applied for an exemption must re-submit an application form under level 5 restrictions and demonstrate that they are developing strategies to reduce outside water use. Application forms are available on the Council website or from Council’s Customer Service Centres in Armidale and Guyra.

Published on 17 Oct 2019