Views sought on water

The Southern Downs community is invited to have their say on the region’s water security with the launch of a new survey.

As part of the Southern Downs Water Security Strategy, Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking feedback on the community’s values in regards to water, as well as residents’ knowledge of the region’s local water resources.

In a statement released last week the council said the survey will

“gather local data on the actions and behaviours which are most important to residents as well as seek feedback on opportunities to further secure the Southern Downs’ water supplies for the future”.

“Focusing on three key issues, the survey will help Council understand the impacts of water restrictions on residents, how community members use water and their understanding of local water resources,” the statement said.

“The launch of the survey comes as Council undertakes a number of projects to secure water resources and finalise contingency planning in response to prolonged drought conditions severely impacting the region.

“Council is evaluating all possible alternative water supplies, including undertaking investigations into the region’s existing bore network, as well as securing water allocations from dams located outside the Southern Downs.

“Surveys of both Connolly and Storm King Dam are currently being undertaken to determine siltation levels.

“Council is doing everything reasonably possible to manage our region’s current water resources, and finalise a contingency plan in the event we can no longer draw a water supply from any of the region’s dams.”

Councillor for Transport, Infrastructure and Utilities Marika McNichol said she urged all members of the community to take part in the survey to help Council collect vital information.

“We’re asking important questions around water restrictions, what our community values in terms of its water usage and other key questions that will inform Council’s long-term planning for water security and infrastructure,” Cr McNichol said.

The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be completed online.

Some questions are a quick ‘tick and flick’ and others require a more thoughtful response.

The survey is open to every resident across the Southern Downs and is available to be completed until Sunday 16 June 2019.

A hard copy is also available to be downloaded from the Council website, completed and returned to any of Council’s Community Contact Centres.

For more information contact 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or visit sdrc.qld.gov.au