BARWON Water has been thinking long-term and is now encouraging customers to give feedback on a draft pricing, and Water for Our Future strategies.<\/p>\n
Managing director Tracey Slatter said the pricing plan explores water security, affordability, the environment and the impacts of climate change over the next five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe value engaging with and hearing from our customers, because we know while we can design solutions to the challenges we face on our own, we get better outcomes when we work in partnership with our customers and community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur research and engagement tells us very clearly that our customers and community want more than affordable and reliable water and sewerage services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey expect Barwon Water to be part of the solution to the broader challenges we face, and to actively contribute to making our region even more prosperous economically, environmentally and culturally.\u201d<\/p>\n
The draft Water for Our Future Strategy has already been influenced by hundreds of community ideas generated by 5000 Barwon Water customers, responding to storage inflows, population growth, affordability, and the impacts of climate change over the next 50 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur modelling shows we need to find or save up to five billion litres of water, over and above the 35 billion litres our region currently uses, every five years for the next 50 years,\u201d Ms Slatter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA hotter, drier climate means our reservoirs are already receiving much less water on average from rainfall in our catchments. We will need to gradually shift to sources of water that are more climate resilient.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis strategy outlines how we will support our growing region to be prosperous, with enough water for all our needs, while protecting our environment.\u201d<\/p>\n