Preparing for the future

By Lachlan Ellis

Two major water plans have been released by Central Highlands Water (CHW), aimed at keeping services safe, reliable, and affordable for years to come.

In preparation for the next 50 years, the water authority released the 2022 Urban Water Strategy (UWS) and 2022 Drought Preparedness Plan on 1 August, considering factors such as population growth, climate change, and events which may cause a short-term reduction in water availability.

Actions to be taken include strengthened education programs, the use of digital technology to support management of water use, and greening of public open spaces with alternative water sources.

A CHW spokesperson said the company was working with Moorabool Shire Council and Traditional Owners to accommodate population growth and improve the environment.

“CHW’s Urban Water Strategy and Drought Preparedness Plan is based on extensive community engagement and feedback from our customers. It recognises the population throughout the region, including proposed growth areas in the Moorabool Shire. We manage the Ballarat and District water supply system, which provides water to towns in the Moorabool Shire, including Ballan and Gordon,” CHW’s spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

“Population growth and climate change are affecting our water supply systems. To address these challenges, we continue to plan and investigate alternative water supply sources. We will implement these sources along with recycled water opportunities. We will support initiatives to find more water for environmental, cultural, and recreational purposes. We will also promote water conservation and efficiency.”

CHW has also committed to improving waterway health, particularly supporting Traditional Owners and environmental values in the Moorabool River.

“We are working with Moorabool Shire Council to support town structure planning and community engagement to make sure we meet the needs of the community when planning water and sewerage system upgrades,” CHW’s spokesperson said.

The UWS details both short-term actions required (up to 5 years) and longer-term actions, with progress reports published every 12 months in the Annual Water Outlook, and full revisions and updates completed every five years.

The full reports are available at www.chw.net.au/uws.