Letter to the editor - water

Malpas Dam

14th Jul 2026

From the Council meeting of 29th June 2026:- Water:-
I appreciate the planning, cost and implementation of the extensive water infrastructure system upgrades in Guyra to date, while noting still further stages are planned. Water is important to us. We listen with interest to the banter about a Malpas Dam Wall extension and the acquisition of Oaky Dam to supplement our growing water needs.
I am confounded by the ARC water policy that does not promote practical, conservative water use, nor does it educate for, plan for, promote or reward wise water use. All consumers have the capacity to modify their water consumption, equally the big water consumers connected to the supply and the small water consumers, all of whom have a water budget as one practical measure to help manage financial budgets.
I am disappointed to learn that although we live in an essentially dry continent, the current water policy cannot afford to promote everyday water conservation practices, because to do so will challenge the commercial viability of the water fund which as a commercial operation may not, by regulation, operate in deficit.
If ‘the water fund’ cannot withstand reduced water usage, what is wrong with the policy?
From the Council Meeting in the abbreviated words of the Chief Officer :-
…our water fund … struggled when drought, peaked in 2019. …We started seeking to reduce the volumes that people were consuming, so they stopped having to pay for water.
We implemented some changes into our water fees and charges, which uplifted those charges immediately as a … response to cover a systemic and broken … water revenue structure.
So may I advise all who are connected to Guyra water and sewage, please prepare for this:-
The next piece of information that will be we conducted is …what we call ‘willingness to pay.’ … that’s the … term for … considering our levels of service and their perceived value by the community. What … levels of service … are provided, how often you go into water restrictions, how long sewage chokes go unattended. ..compared… to the … needs of the community in terms of their water and wastewater supplies. (and the affordability.)
A response to this ‘willingness to pay’ consultation deserves to be well-considered, based on your present and potential future experience, of supply, service and an informed understanding of the difference a part funded or unfunded Malpas Dam wall construction or Oaky restoration will make.
Beth White

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Letter to the editor - water

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