Planning for a secure water future

November 18, 2021

Following the prolonged drought during 2018-2019, Gunnedah Shire Council is reviewing the Gunnedah Shire Drought Management Plan and seeking community feedback about water conservation measures.

Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the review will be based on previous experience of drought events, as well as experience from across the water industry.

“Gunnedah Shire's water table has recovered well following the drought and while it is unlikely restrictions will be reintroduced in the foreseeable future, the updated plan will ensure our Shire is well prepared should we encounter drought again,” Mr Bartlett said.

“As part of the review of the Drought Management Plan and following community feedback, Council is looking at the times permitted during the day when fixed hoses, sprinklers, sprays are micro jet sprays are permitted to be used, should we move to Level 1 restrictions in the future.

“Currently under Level 1 restrictions fixed hoses are banned, except between the hours of 6-7am and 6-7pm.

“While only two hours of fixed hose use is permitted under Level 1, there is flexibility to modify these hours so they occur in a two hour block either during the morning or evening, or remain split in one hour blocks.

“We won’t be able to please everyone, but I encourage all residents connected to town water to complete our short survey to ensure their preference is considered."

The options included in the survey are listed below. Alternate times are also provided to account for daylight savings.

• One 2 hour block 5-7pm Eastern Standard Time (6-8pm Daylight Saving Time) • One 2 hour block 7-9am Eastern Standard Time (6-8am Daylight Saving Time) • Two 1 hour blocks 8-9am and 5-6pm Eastern Standard Time (7-8am and 7-8pm Daylight Saving Time) • Stay the same (two 1 hour blocks 6-7am and 6-7pm in both Eastern Standard and Daylight Saving Time)

The survey takes two minutes to complete and is available at

Physical copies will be provided in the upcoming Water Instalment Notice. Once complete, please return to Council’s Elgin Street Administration Notice.

Survey closes on December 12. For further details about current water conservation measures, visit https://bit.ly/3nuXeUk.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.