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[email protected] [email protected] http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 20 #43 TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only TOO MUCH PLANNING IS NEVER ENOUGH Water carriers up in arms over An outbreak of peace Rous Water price hikes Alex McAuley pools and bought for busi- however, are surprised by the Furthermore, with the The trebling of water costs nesses when there was such extent of the changes, which revoking of the standpipe and changes to water cartage an extreme water shortage, they claim will have a huge licences, the cartage compa- arrangements have left local and that it would impact on impact on those relying on nies will be using a new swipe water carriers up in arms. those who really needed it,’ tank water should we experi- card system which means Last year, Rous Water took said Mr Franklin. ence another long dry spell. that every time they fi ll up, over from local councils as ‘There was a problem with A spokesperson for one they will be automatically the regulating authority on water carriers fi lling up any- company explained that the charged on their credit card. all water fi lling stations after where they felt like, often number of designated fi lling In a long dry spell, this could problems experienced dur- without paying for the water. stations has been cut back represent up to six or seven ing the last extended dry They were also fi lling up out- dramatically.