Friday, 6 June 2008
New Website Tracks Councils' Water Saving Efforts
A new website promoting the water saving efforts of councils across NSW was launched today at the 2008 Annual Shires Conference in Sydney.
The website forms part of the Water Loss Management Program - a $22million joint initiative of the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) of NSW and the Water Directorate, with partial funding through the Federal Government's Water Smart Australia Program.
The site features a Water Saving Meter which shows how much water is being saved minute to minute, as well as a Water Loss Management Program projects map with the latest information on water saving projects across the state.
That number is currently at 575,000 litres per day and is set to increase significantly with many water saving projects about to commence.
President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery says the website is a useful resource for councils and the community.
"Water management is a critical issue in our communities and councils are responding by delivering and implementing new policies and initiatives aimed at saving water," said Cr McCaffery.
"The website will be a way for the community and industry to keep up with water saving projects."
"The features of the website are impressive, offering the latest and most up-to-date information on current projects," added Cr McCaffery.
President of the Shires Association Councillor Bruce Miller says rural and regional communities in particular will benefit from the new website.
"The state's water supply is a key issue for our rural and regional communities," said Cr Miller.
"Drought continues to have a severe impact on our residents, our farmers and their families.
"The new website is an important tool for not only promoting the importance of water saving ideas, but also showing our community how hard their councils are working to help alleviate the problem," added Cr Miller.
For more information, visit the Water Loss Management Program website at: www.waterloss.lgsa.org.au or phone Mirko Sramek at the LGSA on 9242 4127.
Media Officer: Fay Daoud - 0437 477 567
Media Comment: Cr Bruce Miller - 0428 629 934
Media Comment: Cr Genia McCaffery - 0419 404 867
