Ross Earl, General Manager of the Bourke Shire Council writes on Far West issues.
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Unfortunately the flow in the Darling River has dropped to a level where the water has ceased to flow across the Bourke Weir, which is the trigger for the introduction of water restrictions
Level 1 water restrictions are now in place which means: use of fixed sprinklers is limited to two hours a day either from 6-8am or 6-8pm daily; hand-held sprinklers can still be used at other times; and washing of paved areas and filling of new swimming pools is prohibited in line with the council’s policy.
Water restrictions will also apply to watering of public parks, recreational areas and sporting ovals and, where possible, the hours will be varied from residential allocated periods to ensure, as far as possible, water pressure is maintained for all residents during the restricted times.
Over the past few years I have asked all residents to be mindful of their water usage and to not allow water to simply flow in the gutters and be wasted. Not only is there a cost to council in the pumping and reticulation of the water but Bourke is extremely flat, drainage is difficult and water ponding in gutters and the roadway leads to a deterioration of the road surface.
Water conservation and the elimination of wastage is particularly important in times of restrictions.
Several retail outlets sell timer taps which are a great option, should you have difficulty in remembering to shift or turn off hoses.
Australia Day. I am pleased to announce the 2018 Australia Day Ambassador for Bourke will be Katryna Robinson, an incredibly proud Australian who believes everyone should have regular access to a toothbrush and a bar of soap. She is the founder and chief executive of the charity, Every Little Bit Helps, which aids homeless people.
She leads a team of inspirational volunteers who, through their efforts and donations of others, has distributed over 25,000 care packs in just over three years to homeless people in need.
The Australia Day Celebrations will be at the Wal Mitchell Wharf Precinct starting with a $5 Bourke Rotary Club breakfast at 8am. The ceremony starts at 9.30am.