Residents have been given the chance to help plan the region’s long-term water security and to have a say in how much they should be charged for water usage.
Over the next few months, Central Coast Council will continue to progress its Integrated Water Resources Plan and its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on water charges and residents can have input into both.
The Integrated Water Resource Plan will select the best options to secure the Coast’s water supply for future generations and the IPART submission will determine how much Council can charge residents for water usage.
Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said the two projects encompass the spectrum of delivering water and sewer services now and into the future.
“The Integrated Water Resource Plan is about securing our ongoing water supply for a growing population, regardless of whether we might be experiencing periods of intense rainfall or prolonged drought,” Loader said.
“There have been significant changes in environmental factors, water infrastructure, the operating environment and knowledge since we last planned for our region’s long-term water security, 13 years ago.
“Those changes, combined with the recent review of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan by our neighbouring region, mean it is important to review our long-term water plans.
“In addition, every three to five years IPART also asks us to consult with the community about the way we deliver water and sewer to their homes and businesses, which services are most important to them and review the cost of delivering those services.
“Our submission will include this community feedback, and later next year, IPART will determine how our water services should be priced.”
Residents will have three ways of having their say between December and March next year once they register their interest – virtual community forums with groups of residents to explore and discuss different options for long-term water supply, online surveys on water pricing and options for long-term water security and in-depth phone interviews.
Council Administrator Dick Persson has encouraged community members to get involved.
“Our water supply system is the third largest in the state and presently serves a population of 340,000 people,” Persson said.
“As our region continues to grow and develop, this planning process will ensure there is plenty of water for future generations.”
More details are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com
Source:
Media release, Nov 12
Central Coast Council