Period of transition 'appreciated'

Southern Downs Regional Council concedes there'll be a transition period as residents adjust to extreme new water restrictions.

NAVIGATING THE DRY: Southern Downs Regional Council says it will work with the community as it transitions to extreme water restrictions. Picture: Liana Walker

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council concedes there'll be a transition period as residents adjust to extreme new water restrictions.

Despite the council previously stating it would provide warning before making the jump, the change was announced, effective immediately, last Wednesday at a Warwick press conference.

The council says it will work with the community before reassessing on May 1.

"Over recent months, SDRC has been working to confirm water demand versus water supply modelling in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Mining and Energy,” a council spokesperson said.

"Once the modelling was completed, council was able to make the decision to move to extreme level water restrictions. SDRC is very conscious of the heavy load extreme water restrictions place on our region's businesses, schools, community and sporting organisations and of course, each and every resident.

"While the new restrictions came into effect immediately, council appreciates there will be a transition phase.”

The council has assured one standpipe will remain accessible in Stanthorpe.

"Water is being made available at two standpipes in Warwick and Stanthorpe for the rural sector and for residents who are not connected to the reticulated supply.

"The standpipes will be supervised and residents will be able to access urban water until May 1. At this time a review of council's overall water supply reserves will be undertaken.

"Rural residents accessing water from the standpipes will be able to purchase up to 1000 litres per day, capped at 3000 litres per week, based upon a the target of 120 litres per person, per day for an average family.

"Any resident that may require more than this allocation can apply for an exemption by contacting council.

"Rural residents will be able to access the standpipes weekdays from 8am until 3pm.”

Extreme reminder

RATEPAYERS are reminded that they're now limited to 120litres of water use per person, per day under new council measures aimed at addressing what they've labelled "a disaster”.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the restrictions were aimed at making drinking water supplies in the region last as long as possible.

"Our decision in mid-2018 was to consider this drought like we would any other disaster,” she said.

New restrictions mean a total ban on outdoor watering of plants and gardens, topping up swimming pools and using council drinking water on sporting fields.

Residents will only be allowed to clean the mirrors, lights, glass and number plates on their cars with a bucket filled directly from a tap.

The SDRC Emergency Water Supply Plan states enforcement of compliance will also begin in accordance with the current high level water restriction.

If residents don't comply they'll receive two written warnings before a fine could be issued.