TAMWORTH is set to wind back to Level 3 water restrictions next week, and having a "rant" about it on social media is not the way to change that, according to Tamworth's mayor.
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Mayor Col Murray said he felt "relief" when Chaffey Dam hit the trigger point of 30 per cent full on Monday, meaning water restrictions are set to ease back to Level 3.
Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) announced in a statement to media that restrictions could ease next Monday, November 2, as a result.
But, not all residents felt that same sense of relief at the announcement, with several airing their views on social media that it was too early for water rules to loosen.
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The dam - which is Tamworth's main water supply - had risen to 30.16 per cent capacity by Monday afternoon, after heavy rain in the catchment.
"I would suggest the existing drought management plan has really served the community well and we've got through this drought without actually running out of water," Cr Murray told the Leader.
He said council would be revisiting the drought management plan, and will consult with the community as part of the review.
"We expect to be doing that in coming months, to go out and ask the community what they think and get some constructive criticism on how they view the drought management plan, and council will listen and work through those responses, and all the data we have, to do a comprehensive review of the plan," he said.
"That's the mature way to contribute to public policy, and having a rant on social media is very unlikely to achieve too much, I would suggest."
Cr Murray encouraged locals to keep being mindful of their use of the precious resource.
"There have been some deeply ingrained habits formed and the community has done an excellent job with their water use, and I expect that to continue in some shape or form even with restrictions easing," he said.
If TRC opts to drop back to Level 3 water restrictions, there are a few changes locals can look forward to.
"It's probably one of the most important milestones, I think, because coming off Level 4 and into Level 3 allows residents to water outdoors for 15 minutes each day, which makes a massive difference in their attempts to keep their favourite plants alive and help the lawn along a little," Cr Murray said.
"It's been a long, long haul to get back to this stage."
The last time the city was on such low restrictions was back in May last year.
Residents of Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal are reminded that there is no change to the rules or how they are enforced until TRC makes an official announcement.
Environmental flows are still being released from the dam each day, but the amount and frequency of the water being let out down the Peel River by Water NSW will not change with the new milestone.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
