Will water supply keep up with population growth?
The Council's new public forum trial began at 5pm on May 22.
I was the only listed speaker - "against" Item 2.4 Determination of water, wastewater and stormwater drainage charges for 2023-24.
This matter requires public scrutiny as it is not as visible as road and beach condition and maintenance.
I said the public relied on the honesty and transparency of the council to provide accurate and accountable advice.
In October 2021, council published the Central Coast Water Sharing Plan public exhibition report.
This is an overview of an overview.
Is it possible for the council to "ensure there is enough water on the Coast for all residents until 2051"?
What is required in the intervening years to make this assertion realistic?
Growth of 35 per cent advised by Administrator Mr Rik Hart on August 25, 2021, will test the council beyond 2051.
Of the six recommendations in Item 2.4, five refer to the Water Management Act, without disclosing actions to be taken to raise the quality of the "degraded" operations as described by the council in its IPART presentation in October 2021.
The local organisation, the Peninsula Residents' Association, has investigated future growth of the Peninsula revealing it is unsustainable at the 35 per cent level proposed.
What impact would this have, knowing that Level 5 restrictions applied in 2007, with water extracted from the borefield being required?
If the population increases to the levels proposed, can water supply be assured and is the resource available in the borefield for unexpected drought conditions?
In Coast Connect Water April 2023 newsletter, there is reference to turning Gosford into an "iconic waterfront".
My question to Administrator Hart and director Mr Jamie Loader was: "How does water and sewer connect to the iconic waterfront?"
If anyone has the answer, please share it with me.
SOURCE:
Letter, 23 May 2023
Norm Harris, Umina