Water Rates to Increase

Last nights Council meeting seen a long debate in regards to the increase in water rates.

Shoalhaven residents currently spend $1.00 per kilolitre for under 405kl, ranking us at approx third cheapest in the state.

A rise to $1.45 per Kl will see the average bill rise by less than $2.00 per week or about the same price as a small bottle of water.

I support this move to increase water use charges as in my opinion it will give a more valued price for this precious natural asset, and have all users think about water consumption and saving.

Shoalhavens water is supplied by the Shoalhaven River in the North and Porters Creek Damm in the South.

The Shoalhaven River has a significant Oyster industry within its waters which for the last few years has suffered from the lack of environmnetal flow as Sydney drew water from the catchment for its day to day use. The practice recently stopped ( to justify the need for the de-sal plant) and gives us the opportunity to have some health return to the river system.

With a rise in residential use charges we should see a drop in consumption which will ensure more water for the river and the natural systems that depend on fresh water inflow.

Having a water reserve fund set aside for future asset renewal makes our cities water supply safe from mechanical failure. But we will have to deal with less rainfall as the effects of climate change are felt.