Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to check out the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan (CCWSP), as they only have until 12 October to provide their final feedback on the plan.

This draft plan has been developed in line with the NSW Water Strategy, which was recently released by Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey.

Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said that Council considered the NSW Water Strategy throughout the development of the CCWSP.

“As guided by the NSW Water Strategy, the CCWSP has considered a range of possible climate scenarios and tested different supply and demand portfolios as part of our decision-making process,” Mr Loader said.

“We took an all options on the table approach and considered a range of potential water futures to ensure the supply system remains resilient and flexible into the future.

“The first pillar of the CCWSP is to conserve and use water efficiently. Council will be integrating these actions within the upcoming state-wide water efficiency framework currently being developed by the NSW Government.

“The second pillar of the CCWSP is to maximise the efficient use of existing supply sources including recycled water for irrigation. This aligns with a range of measures described in the NSW Water Strategy, as outlined by Minister Pavey.

“The final pillar of the CCWSP is the development of new supplies of water that are independent of rainfall. This aligns with the aim of the NSW Water Strategy to increase the resilience of urban water supply schemes to future droughts, increasing population and the impacts of climate change.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said that this plan will ensure that the Central Coast has a resilient and sustainable water supply, now and for future generations.

“This is an important plan for the Coast – and while its development involved a multitude of investigations and analysis, it also involved having meaningful conversations with the community,” Mr Hart said.

“It is now time for you to provide Council with your final input.

“We encourage everyone to not only jump online and take a look at the plan, but also take a look at our factsheets, video and frequently asked questions, before filling out our online feedback form.”

The draft Central Coast Water Security Plan is on public exhibition until 12 October. Council encourages everyone to check it out and provide their final feedback by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com

ENDS