SA Drought E-News, 18th June 2008


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www.sa.gov.au/drought
SA Drought E-News 18th June 2008
Consultation on EP draft water plan Adelaide reservoirs at 44% capacity
Rainwater? Tanks very much… Drought Reach program for women
Opening irrigation allocation announced  
Consultation on EP draft water plan

A draft plan outlining potential measures to secure Eyre Peninsula’s long-term water supply has been released. The development of Eyre Peninsula’s plan for water security is the first in a series designed to “water proof” South Australia.

The draft plan recommends:

  • Investigating the long-term feasibility of desalination for Eyre Peninsula (EP) or extending the EP pipelines from Lock West along the coast to Ceduna.
  • Researching initiatives to improve water quality.
  • Discussing water supply options for Venus Bay and Port Kenny with the Elliston District Council.
  • Investigating development of a strategy for managing recreational access to the Tod Reservoir, in partnership with the Lower Eyre Peninsula and Tumby Bay district Councils.

The release of the draft plan by the Minister for Water Security, Karlene Maywald,  kick-starts a six week community consultation program. A media release has been posted on the drought website: www.sa.gov.au/drought and the draft plan is available at www.epnrm.sa.gov.au.
Rainwater? Tanks very much… Top

The Outback Areas Community Development Trust (OACDT) has successfully applied for a Federal Government Community Water Grant to supply rainwater tanks to remote South Australian communities.

Infrastructure Manager Bill Ryan says that with the funding received, the OACDT has supplied 14 remote communities with rainwater tanks to assist and encourage conservation of traditional community water supplies.

“The tanks are intended to provide an additional and alternative water source to be used for emergency services, land revegetation, town beautification and dust suppression,” he said. “The tanks provide these communities with a reserve water supply, saving on the use of bore and dam supplies.

“With water becoming a rare resource at times, initiatives like this are very important in promoting the use of rainwater tanks, especially in drought ridden communities.”
Opening irrigation allocation announced Top

South Australian irrigators will begin the 2008-09 water year with a 2% opening allocation and access to 50% of their approved carry-over water volume. 

Once the final meter readings for 2007-08 are completed next month, it is anticipated that up to 80% of carry-over will be available from 1 September. 

The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation has completed projections for flows to SA, based on date provided by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.  The projections show that, depending on how water is allocated, there is a:

  • 75% chance allocations will be 32% by the end of 2008-09; and
  • 50% chance allocations will be higher than 32% by the end of 2008-09.

A media release from the Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald, has been posted on the drought website: www.sa.gov.au/drought and more information on water allocations or conditions in the River Murray is at http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html
Adelaide reservoirs at 44% capacity Top
Reservoir levels are currently at 44.2% (87,244 ML) compared to 65.4% (129,137ML) at the same time last year.
 
For the month of June so far, natural inflows into Adelaide’s reservoirs have totalled 870 megalitres. This equates to about 2.5 days of Adelaide’s average water consumption for this month. Recent rain in Adelaide hasn’t had a significant impact on reservoir levels, however South Australians are doing their bit by using less water in gardens and letting nature do the watering.
 
Adelaide’s weekly water consumption has dropped to below 2000ML. Adelaide has used about 31% less water for the year to date when compared to the same period on 2002.
Drought Reach program for women Top

A reminder that the Women’s Information Service Drought Reach sessions are underway during June across South Australia.

Learn more about services that can help you and your family make it through these tough times. Lunch will be provided. For childcare inquiries, please telephone 1800 188 158.

Orroroo
Mon 23 June, 12 noon to 4pm,
Blacksmith’s Chatter
Milang
Tue 24 June, 12:30pm to 3pm,
The Milang Institute, Coxe St
Waikerie
Wed 25 June, 11am to 2:30,
District Council of Loxton, Waikerie meeting room, Strangman Road.
Kingscote
Wednesday 25th June, 10:30am to 3pm
Kangaroo Island Council Chambers, 43 Dauncey Street, Kingscote
Renmark
Fri 27 June, 10:30am to 4:30,
Riverland Rural Expo, Renmark Hotel
Pt Augusta
Fri 27 June, 11am to 3pm,
Cooinda Conference Room, Flinders Tce.

More information on venues and times: www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au or toll free 1800 188 158 (Mon-Fri)

Access and equity
The information in this publication can be provided on request to those who need it in an alternative format or another language. Contact PIRSA Communications and Marketing. Telephone (08) 8226 0539.


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