Happy New Year to readers of this column. We have entered 2020 amidst many challenges including the bushfires gripping NSW and Victoria. Some of these fires are in our own backyard threatening some of our rural areas, while the ongoing drought continues to affect people right around the region and country.
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We are lucky to live in a strong community, and I have already seen this in just the first week of January as many organisations and groups have pulled together to pool resources and donations to send down to bushfire affected areas around the state.
These are certainly trying times, but I look forward towards another positive year for Goulburn Mulwaree in 2020. I am sure we can rise above any challenge put in front of us, and I am certainly looking forward to seeing some of the exciting new developments underway for our city including the Performing Arts Centre and Goulburn Aquatic Centre redevelopment. Let's also hope that 2020 is a year full of consistent rainfall for our farmers. Wishing you all a safe, productive year!
Water Restrictions
The communities of Goulburn and Marulan have responded positively to amber level water restrictions since introduction at the start of December.
Water storage currently sits at 63 per cent and is holding up well considering the heat and low rainfall. However strong drought conditions persist around the region. Target consumption under amber level restrictions is 230 litres per person per day.
I'd like to thank the community for their positive efforts to curb water use so far, as we have seen a good response from residents. With no rain in the immediate forecasts we need to continue to be waterwise, and, depending on rainfall throughout January and February, the council will consider if we need to go to the next level of restrictions.
We continue to use the Highland Source Pipeline to near capacity, drawing just over four megalitres per day for use in Goulburn which is essential to our city.
A reminder that under amber level restrictions, use of Goulburn and Marulan water supply is restricted to:
- Handheld hose with a control nozzle or bucket can only be used between 5pm and 10am to water plants and lawns
- Watering systems and hose sprinklers can only be used between 5pm and 10am on weekends
- Paths, driveways and hard surfaces cannot be cleaned. In extraordinary circumstances for example following a health threatening incident, a hose can be used to assist to clean up
- Vehicles can be washed at any time on a lawn or porous surface using a hose with a control nozzle, bucket or low volume high pressure machine
