Water Access for Primary Producers

As a result of the drought conditions currently being expereinced in the region, Bathurst Regional Council considered a recommendation at its meeting on Wednesday 20 June, to provide verified primary producers with water from the Hereford Street standpipes at no charge, based on the following parameters:

(i) To apply to Bathurst Regional Council/ratepayers who are owners of a Farmland rated parcel of land, and

(ii) Must be a registered primary producer with a current Property Identification Code (PIC), and

(iii) A limit of 20kl per week per rate notice, (non-accruing), and

(iv) For stock and domestic use only.

2. The scheme will cease in the event of any of the following;

(i) When Ben Chifley Dam reaches a capacity of 40% or lower,

(ii) Drought declaration is lifted for Bathurst Regional Council area, or

(iii) Four months from commencement of the scheme.

3. That the proposed waiving of water charges for primary producers, be placed on public exhibition for 28 days and a further report come back to Council.

Council is seeking feedback on the proposal.

Submissions close COB Monday 23 July 2018.