Water standpipe upgrades to commence

Water standpipe upgrades to commence

Two water standpipes - on Whitegate Road, High Camp, and at Seymour-Goulburn Park - will be upgraded as a priority to support water infrastructure in Mitchell Shire.

Council currently provides non-potable water from eleven (11) standpipes/ bores located throughout the municipality. Historically, these water bores were used for drought relief by primary producers for stock and domestic use. In more recent times that have been used for a variety of purposes including gardening businesses, commercial operators and home gardeners.

The upgrade is considered a priority for Council as it explores the future use and conditions of its bores. As part of the project, all standpipes and water bores will be metered for the next 12 months. The findings will guide Council on the next steps for water supply infrastructure in the future.

The two locations were selected because of community use, the condition of the standpipes and feedback received through community consultation.

Council will also write to the State Government to seek further support and assistance to maintain water standpipes and water supply infrastructure.

Extensive community consultation was undertaken in 2019 to understand how the community was using Council-operated water standpipes. More than 200 people took part in a survey.

For more information on the survey and upcoming project, please visit www.engagingmitchellshire.com/bores

Quotes attributable to Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor David Lowe

“The community has played an important role in our decision-making around water infrastructure upgrades. This is aging infrastructure and we are looking at future ways to support rural communities with an effective network of bores that offer accessibility and can be relied on. Thank you to those who have taken the time to submit,” he said.