I have lived in this beautiful part of the world now for almost eight years.
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But I am saddened by the continual whingeing that appears in this paper’s letters column. Have some residents nothing better to do?
Graham Williams ongoing issue with water supply is a case in point. Sure it is annoying for some people not being able to turn a hose on and let the water all run down the gutters, but we live in the driest continent on earth and sensible water practices are essential for our future prosperity.
Even more annoying is that Graham cannot even get the maths right. Yes, the total storage of Cowarra and Port Macquarie reservoirs may be 12,500 megalitres. and yes the annual usage may be 5,600 megalitres. But doesn’t that mean that we have two years of water supply? And that assumes that the reservoirs are not being replenished, which of course they are.
He also doesn’t mention who should pay for any additional storage or dams. I assume that he will be happy for a rate increase to help finance the building of a dam? Or should the money come from that mythical tree that exists somewhere called “the Money Tree”, otherwise known as “the Government”?
Then there is the question of where such a dam would be built? Somewhere along the Camden Haven River perhaps, since we are already taking water from the Hastings for the above mentioned reservoirs.
Bad luck for those living upstream who will get flooded and for the environment downstream.
By all means let us have a sensible and rational discussion about future needs and options but there is no need to panic just yet.
Oh and by the way, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council do have a 30 year capital works plan to secure our shires water needs. Just take a look at the council’s web site.
Ron Brown
Lake Cathie