Water is an essential resource for our community, economy and environment. Water Resources in the Southern Downs are often impacted by prolonged water shortages caused by drought. While rainfall is highly variable, a decline in spring and winter rainfalls is predicted for Southern Downs into the future.
Water for our townships, businesses and agricultural industries comes from a variety of sources including major dams, stream flows and groundwater. A key focus for Southern Downs is how to use our water system more efficiently and identify opportunities to increase our supply and secure our independence.
We share our water supply with the environment. Water is essential for maintaining our local river and wetland health, as well as sustaining our native plants and animals.
Over the last few years, we have worked hard to reduce demand for water in our homes, business and for our parks and gardens. There are significant opportunities to treat and recycle stormwater and town water. As our climate changes and our community grows, we need to continue having pragmatic conversations with our community regarding water limits, water availability and how we can increase our supply.
Farm water
The Southern Downs is home to magnificent soils and quality water that grow a variety of products that support our local and regional economy. Looking after the quality and quantity of both the soil and the water through positive farming practices has many benefits. These include improved stock health and crop yields and essential habitat for our unique flora and fauna which in turn then look after our crops and our stock – a full circle. Waterway and Wetland Protection (PDF 368.5KB) on Farms is part of this process and a good place to start, when seeking to improve the overall health of your soils and water ensuring productivity for many generations to come.
Our community aspirations
- Improving the achievement of water restrictions
- Increasing the efficiency of domestic and industrial water use
- Water independence.
Our Council trend indicators
- Reducing water use by Council owned assets and infrastructure
- Increased water efficiencies
- Use of recycled water infrastructure.
Our strategies
- Reduce Council's building assets and infrastructure potable water use
- Manage Council's parks and gardens to be water efficient
- Acknowledge and encourage homes and businesses to be more efficient with town water use
- Facilitate the provision of stormwater, recycled water and greywater infrastructure for homes and businesses
- Promote local successes and experience in water use efficiencies in agriculture
- Increase regional water security
Local Case Studies
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