Level 2 water restrictions are now in force in Tenterfield Shire as council adopts a revised Drought Management Plan.
In chambers last week, council adopted a revised plan which introduces water restrictions earlier than the previous plan to preserve the shire’s water supply.
The move from Level 1 to Level 2 follows continued monitoring of Tenterfield Dam levels, water consumption and ongoing dry conditions with limited rainfall.
Level 2 restrictions are intended to reduce water consumption across the community by approximately 10–20%, with a target of 250–280 litres per person per day.
The restrictions form part of council’s Drought Management Plan, which provides for progressively stronger water conservation measures as water availability declines.
The restrictions apply to all properties connected to the Tenterfield Dam water supply. Jennings residents should refer to Southern Downs Regional Council for details of water conservation measures that are currently in place.
Tenterfield’s Level 2 Water Restrictions impose the following limits:
Residential Properties
Fixed hoses, sprinklers and micro-spray, drip and subsurface irrigation systems may be used for a maximum of 15 minutes per day between 4:00pm and 9:00am
Handheld hoses may be used for a maximum of 30 minutes per day between 4:00pm and 9am, with one hose permitted per property
Filling of new or existing swimming pools and spas is not permitted
Topping up existing swimming pools and spas is permitted using a handheld hose for a maximum of 1 hour per day outside the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm
Washing of hard surfaces with a handheld hose is not permitted at any time
Car washing is restricted to buckets only on grassed areas
Public and Commercial Use
No unattended hoses
AdvertisementPublic gardens, sports grounds, community facilities and nurseries are subject to the residential restrictions, with an exception allowing sprinkler use for up to two hours per day for essential use
Washing of motor vehicles is restricted to buckets only, unless an exemption has been granted for water efficient devices
Businesses and commercial premises are encouraged to review their water use and implement water-saving measures wherever possible
Stock watering from Council’s potable water supply requires approval by council
Council encourages all residents, businesses and community organisations to work together to reduce water consumption. Residents and businesses can access the Water Wise checklist on council’s website to identify areas where they may be able to save water.
Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said the move to Level 2 reflected the proactive approach adopted through council’s new Drought Management Plan.
“I thank our community for their recent input into Council’s Drought Management Plan, which has now been adopted by council. The updated plan provides for water restrictions to be introduced earlier, allowing us to take action sooner to help protect our water supply before dam levels fall too low.
“Moving to Level 2 is a measured step in managing our water supply and ensuring we are acting early. Water restrictions are most effective when the whole community plays its part, and we encourage everyone to look at how they use water every day and make simple changes wherever possible.”
During the meeting last week, councillors raised concerns about visitors to the area being made aware of drought conditions and the possibility of educational materials being made available to accommodation businesses was discussed.
Signage alerting visitors of the drought is being considered at the entranceways to Tenterfield as well.
Councillor Petty pointed out it would be “a sad day in hell” if Tenterfield had to cart water “like the Southern Downs”.
Cr Tim Bonner raised the point that shortage of water was one consideration but that shortage of fodder is also a distinct possibility. Questions were raised about bringing in fodder and reduced costs of water.
Mayor Petrie said there are triggers for free or half price water at certain areas, which she would confirm.
In the meantime, council will continue to monitor water supply levels, water consumption and prevailing conditions. The drought management framework provides for restriction levels to be increased or reduced as water supply conditions change.
Council is also currently undertaking a review of its Integrated Water Catchment Management Evaluation Study and Strategy Plan (IWCM). When this has been completed, further sections of the Drought Management Plan will be updated, to reflect the work on council’s water supply network.
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