Council adopts 5-year Water Demand Management Plan

Central Highlands Regional Council has adopted the Water Demand Management Plan 2023-2028.

As part of the Water Supply Security Strategy 2022-2042, council is committed to managing water resources and demands in the region to minimize the risk of supply shortfall associated with drought conditions.

This includes the provision of potable water for the thirteen townships within the Central Highlands region: Anakie, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Comet, Capella, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Springsure, Sapphire/Rubyvale and Tieri and one non-potable supply for the township of The Willows during periods of drought.

The Water Demand Management Plan establishes council’s response framework with recommended actions and responsibilities before, during and after a drought event.

General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities Jason Hoolihan commented on the importance of this strategy.

‘Our current consumption of water is around 780 litres per person, per day, which is an extraordinary amount,’ Hoolihan said.

‘To reduce this figure, we are encouraging community members to reduce consumption to 370 litres per person, per day,’ he continued.

‘This is a long-term strategy that will allow us to support better water conservation across the region.’ he said.

To view the Water Demand Management Plan, click here.