LOWER Murray Water (LMW) is pleased with how the first four weeks of stage 1 water restrictions in Sunraysia has played out.
LMW managing director Anthony Couroupis said the region’s allocation had moved from 48 per cent when the restrictions were placed, and were currently sitting at 56 per cent.
“We are happy with how our customers’ compliance with the restrictions have progressed,” he said.
“They have been in place for just on a month now and certainly we have found really high levels of compliance.
“There is always room for improvement but overall we are happy.”
However, Mildura economic development and tourism councillor Mark Eckel has criticised the region’s lack of a long-term water plan.
He said prolonged dry conditions were not going to let up and LMW and the council needed to work together to manage the issue.
“I haven’t seen an effective plan over a long term,” he said.
“I believe in planning for the future because obviously we don’t have that capacity at the moment.
“We seem to be coming up with strategies when we come into the drought period but what I believe we should be doing is have it in place for the future because this is going to be inevitable now.”
While there has been speculation why there are no restrictions on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, a Wentworth Shire council spokeswoman confirmed it might be looking to consider restrictions in the near future.
“WSC has slightly differing supply demands to that of Mildura city that affect this decision, for example separate filtered and raw supply to most properties that impact on supply operations,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council are currently reviewing stage restrictions.
“Council will consult with WaterNSW prior to making any formal decision on restrictions.”
