15 September 2020
Southern Downs Regional Council is inviting the community to submit feedback to help Council better understand how water restrictions influence water use, liveability and business operations during times of drought.
Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to provide feedback through a number of avenues – all of which comply with COVID-19 restrictions, such as an online survey, email and phone interviews.
Portfolio Councillor for Water Stephen Tancred said that Council understands the drought has had a profound impact on the region and it was important to hear directly from all sectors of the community to integrate ideas and feedback into the future Drought Management Plan.
“During these dry times, the importance of this document in delivering an effective management plan cannot be undervalued,” Cr Tancred said.
“Social distancing restrictions are no barrier to having your say on the current water restrictions framework and what it could look like in the future. It’s as easy as completing an online survey, sending an email or talking on the phone to one of our Water Officers.
“Even during difficult times, Council remains committed to ongoing and consistent community consultation and we look forward to your feedback.
“It’s unfortunate that our community has such a real understanding of drought but we need to reflect and learn as much as we can from this experience to find out how we can better manage water and survive dry times.”
Traditional public consultation and face-to-face meetings are not viable due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines but residents, businesses and community groups can have their say by:
· Completing an online survey at www.sdrc.qld.qov.au or www.surveymonkey.com/r/JPDQC33
· Emailing a written submission to waterfeedback@sdrc.qld.gov.au or
· Calling Council directly on 1300 697 372
Community consultation will be open for six weeks from Monday 14 September to Sunday 25 October 2020.
It is expected that the draft Drought Management Plan will be completed in November. The draft plan will also be available for community consultation once completed.
The region has been drought declared for more than two years. Extreme Level water restrictions currently apply of 120 litres per person per day apply to all treated town water supplies delivered to the household tap or supplied by a water carter. Water restrictions also extend to communities supplied drinking water by bores in Dalveen, Pratten and Leyburn.
“Droughts will come and go and it’s important that the community and Council continue to find better ways to deal with them, learn from them and prepare for the future,” Cr Tancred said.
For all the latest Council news and information, visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372), email mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au, or use the MySDRC app.