Community Comment Sought for Water Strategy

10 January 2007

Following a series of workshops around the region, Goulburn Valley Water is asking people to comment on the ideas put forward for its GVW2055 – A sustainable urban water future strategy, by the 24 January 2007.

As part of its planning for a water supply demand strategy for the next 50 years, the Authority invited residents to workshops and information sessions in Shepparton, Cobram, Katunga, Nathalia, Alexandra, Mansfield, Broadford, Kilmore, Pyalong and Longwood.

Goulburn Valley Water Acting Chief Executive Mr Allen Gale said the water get-togethers were designed to allow customers and communities to have a say in how water is managed and used over the next 50 years. 

“Unfortunately, attendance at the sessions was very low, except for Mansfield where a lot of interested people turned up.”

“The low turnout showed us that unless people are directly affected – like Mansfield who are currently on Stage 4 water restrictions – they are pretty confident in their town water supply.”

Mr Gale said even though the numbers attending were low, the quality of the sessions was excellent.

“The input we have received has been really useful.  Some people have extensive local knowledge and provided us with pages of detailed information.  So that will be of help to us and our consultants in putting the plan together.”

Mr Gale said Goulburn Valley Water had worked with consulting company SKM to consider options and make recommendations for securing each town’s water supply.

“We’ve put together a summary of the issues, options and recommendations for each town, so people can read it and make a comment if they wish.” 

Mr Gale said the final GVW2055 plan, due in February, will outline the Authority’s strategy for balancing water supply and demand, taking into account the effects of climate change, to ensure water supplies are sustainable over the next 50 years.

Comments on the discussion papers – due by 24 January - can be emailed to GVW2055@gvwater.vic.gov.au or sent to GVW2055, Goulburn Valley Water, PO Box 185, Shepparton, 3632.

Authorised By L.J. Gleeson 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton