Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why is Rous County Council updating the region’s Future Water Strategy?

Rous County Council has a responsibility to ensure our community has a safe and secure drinking water supply now and into the future.

We are now developing a delivery program to secure our region’s water supply through to 2060. Like many areas in Australia, we are planning and preparing for our long-term water security. In planning for the future, we need to weigh up all impacts including environment, social and economic.

The 2014 Future Water Strategy recommended further investigations into groundwater as a possible future water source. Unfortunately, these investigations indicate that this will not be a feasible option for all our future water supply needs. This is based on several factors including water quality, reliability and costs to extract.

The unsuitability of groundwater as a viable water source has meant we need to go back and develop other options. We are now undertaking these additional investigations to update the Future Water Strategy and finalise our delivery program.

How is Rous County Council developing the delivery program?

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has provided guidelines on how to develop an Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy. We are using these guidelines to build on the 2014 Future Water Strategy.

Since 2014, Rous County Council has been undertaking extensive investigations around options including demand management, groundwater, desalination, potable water recycling and dams. The outcomes of these investigations are now being assessed to ensure that the ultimate delivery plan balances the needs of water security, operational and capital costs, environmental impact and social impacts.

When is the delivery program expected to be finalised?

Rous County Council is anticipating that the draft delivery program will be presented to Council in June 2020. Once adopted, it will be available for public consultation. Refer to the ‘How can I have a say in our future water supply’ question in the ‘Other’ section below for more information on the proposed consultation process.

How do you know that our current sources of water will not cater for new developments?

The Future Water Strategy was adopted in 2014. The Strategy concluded that the Rous County Council regional bulk water sources can meet demand for the short to medium term, however to maintain a sustainable water supply for the region, the Future Water Strategy recommended key actions be undertaken to guide long-term water planning and provide certainty about water needs and infrastructure development over future decades.

Over the next 50 years, changes to climate and rainfall patterns are expected to reduce the reliability of rainfall for the region. At the same time, water use is forecast to increase as the population grows.

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 1 of 6 By around 2024, we expect that demand for water will match what current sources can reliably supply. However by 2060, it is expected that demand will exceed reliable supply by 6,500 megalitres per year, or approximately half of the current secure supply. A copy of the demand forecast is available here.

To meet the shortfall, the initial Future Water Strategy recommended a combination of improved water conservation and the investigations into new groundwater sources over the next 10 years.

More information on the methodology on how local water utilities need to determine water security requirements can be found here: Assuring future urban water security.

How have you considered the effects of climate change?

The effects of climate change are being considered in our planning. The methodology for assuring future urban water security has a specific process to account for the effects of climate change. Over the next 50 years, changes to climate and rainfall patterns are expected to reduce the reliability of rainfall for the region. At the same time, water use is forecast to increase as the population grows.

Rocky Creek Dam and Emigrant Creek Dam are usually relatively full. Why do we need a new source of water?

Over the next 50 years, changes to climate and rainfall patterns are expected to reduce the reliability of rainfall for the region. At the same time, water use is forecast to increase as population grows.

We have already seen the need to implement water restrictions as recently as the end of 2019. By around 2024, we expect that demand for water will match what current sources, including Rocky Creek and Emigrant Creek dams. A copy of the demand forecast is available here.

To meet the shortfall, the initial Future Water Strategy recommended a combination of improved water conservation and new water sources.

What is it all going to cost and how will that effect my water bill?

A key part of our investigations into future water sources includes the financial implications of each option. In planning for the future, we need to weigh up all impacts including environment, social and economic. The ultimate effect on your water bill will be determined by your local council in consultation with Rous County Council.

How does Rous County Council charge the council for the bulk water it supplies to the local councils, and how does this compare to other nearby regions?

Council's fees and charges provide a list of the chargeable services, requests and applications provided by Rous County Council, and are updated on an annual basis.

For more information, please refer to the Rous County Council 2019/20 Fees and Charges and Revenue policy.

How does my local council determine the cost per kilolitre charge for water on my rates bill?

Local councils provide details on all their respective fees and charges within their annual reporting documents.

Typically, the basis for determining these fees and charges is derived from a policy of the council. Usually, water and sewerage charges are based on a full cost recovery arrangement. For further information on local councils’ fees and charges, please refer to these website links:

Ballina Shire Council Byron Shire Council Lismore City Council Richmond Valley Council

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 2 of 6 Water supply source options

Can groundwater cater for the future water needs of our region?

Following the completion of the initial Future Water Strategy in 2014, Rous County Council has undertaken extensive investigations into the use of groundwater for our future water supply. Unfortunately, these investigations indicate that ground water by itself will not be a feasible option for future water supply. This is based on several factors including water quality, reliability and costs to extract.

Apart from dams, what other potential water sources are there in the region?

In addition to dams, we have been investigating solutions around groundwater, water reuse, desalination and integration into other water supply systems within the region.

Will the use of groundwater for town water supply impact on agriculture and surface water, such as streams and rivers?

At this stage, use of groundwater for town water supply is not considered a viable option to meet all the region’s needs. This is due to water quality, reliability and costs. If groundwater does form part of the region's future water sources, then we will undertake robust local hydrogeological assessments of aquifers and any potential connectivity with Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems (GDEs) and surface water streams and rivers. This is typically undertaken via pumping tests of groundwater bores and monitoring programs of other nearby bores and streams and rivers.

Is indirect potable water reuse still being considered?

Indirect potable reuse is the reclamation and treatment of water from wastewater and is one of a number of possible options. While it will remain an option, at this stage it is a low priority, as both costs and regulatory approvals means that it is not appropriate to implement in the short or medium term.

What other sources of water have been considered? Is connecting to the Toonumbar Dam an option instead of new groundwater bores, desalination, or a new dam?

Any connection to Toonumbar Dam, north-west of Kyogle, would require significant changes to the way in which this dam is regulated and managed. Additionally, it is understood that based on the dam’s current configuration, there is insufficient existing secure water allocations available to make this a feasible option for future water supply.

Why can't Rous County Council just build a new dam now?

Building a new dam is not a decision to be taken lightly so we want to ensure we effectively explore and understand the social, environmental and economic factors. If a decision is made to build a dam, planning, design, approvals and construction may take up to nine years to complete.

Is Dunoon Dam still planned?

Dunoon Dam is one of a number of options under consideration.

Are any other dam sites being considered? If so, where?

At this stage, no additional new dam sites are being considered.

Demand and water conservation

How does water conservation fit in with the Future Water Strategy?

Water is a precious resource. Managing our demand is the most practical and cost-effective step in ensuring we have a future water supply. However current indications are that this will not be enough on its own. Water conservation and demand management is a long-term program and will be part of the solution, regardless of the option eventually chosen.

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 3 of 6

How much water does the region use annually?

Current water demand across the region is 12,130ML per year (bulk water production by Rous County Council). This is equivalent to almost 5,000 Olympic swimming pools (per year).

Why can’t we restrict the wasteful use of water – washing footpaths and driveways for example?

We all have a role in saving water and using this resource wisely, even in times of no water restrictions.

During drought and emergency water management periods, the region has five levels of imposed water restrictions.

Local councils can issue warnings and fines to householders and businesses during periods of water restriction, when wasteful use of water is observed.

For further information on water saving strategies, click here.

How are the region’s councils addressing their water network leakage issues?

Each council in the region has their own processes in place to manage their water networks.

For information on the water network, please refer to these website links:

Byron Shire Council Lismore City Council Richmond Valley Council Ballina Shire Council

If everyone had rainwater tanks would we need a new water source?

Using rainwater can reduce water bills, as well as providing an alternative supply during water restrictions. Rainwater tanks help us reduce demands on the regional water supply. While effective water demand management will contribute towards a secure water supply over the next few years, by 2060, it is expected that demand will exceed reliable supply by 6,500 megalitres per year, or approximately half of the current secure supply. Demand management initiatives such as rainwater tanks alone will not be enough to make up this shortfall and so we need additional water sources.

How have you determined the future demands for water?

On current predictions, by 2060, expected demand would exceed reliable supply by 6,500 megalitres per year, or approximately half of the current secure supply. A copy of the demand forecast is available here.

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 4 of 6 Will you subsidise on-site water infrastructure, such as tanks, to minimise the impact on the system?

Rous County Council has an existing water tank subsidy scheme, which includes town water connected residences in the four council areas of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley. The scheme has been operating for more than 15 years and is subject to consideration by Council as part of the budget process each year. For further information on the scheme, click here.

Development

Does Rous County Council have any input into the residential and business planning strategies of each council?

Rous County Council and the local councils work in close partnership to ensure that the regional water requirements can be met. The regional demand forecast has taken into consideration the local councils’ planning initiatives and schemes. Rous County Council has a discrete role in providing input into each of these planning strategies. This is mainly centred around supporting local councils by planning for the required changes to the Rous County Council regional bulk supply system.

Do the councils seek input from Rous County Council on the impact of their future residential and business strategies to take into account the impact they will have on the water supply?

Yes, local councils do consult with Rous County Council on these strategies. The regional demand forecast has considered the potential growth that may occur within council areas. It is very rare that a new planning strategy will be developed for an area not already considered in the forecast. However when this does occur, the local council will seek direct advice from Rous County Council on the impacts to the regional supply network. More often, local council’s may need to modify their existing strategies that had previously been considered by Rous County Council. These changes typically occur as a result of new information or environmental studies, or as a result of a State Government guideline or legislative change.

Do the state or federal government seek advice from Rous County Council on water security when they are promoting tourism or business/industry development?

Rous County Council works directly with the respective local council, rather than the state or federal governments. It is very rare that a new planning strategy will be developed by either of the two levels of government, without directly involving a local council.

Does Rous County Council have any powers to restrict development applications due to the impact on water security?

No, Rous County Council is not a planning authority. These developments are considered by the local council and the Regional Planning Panel, where appropriate. Local councils regularly consult with Rous County Council on any significant development within their local area. Typically, most developments that occur in the region have been accounted for in the regional demand forecast.

Do holiday rentals use more water on average than residential properties?

Northern Rivers' residents use approximately 194 litres of water per person per day on average. Anecdotal evidence suggests holiday rentals do not impact this average. For example, Rous County Council and Ballina Shire Council reviewed the impacts of secondary dwellings. The results indicated that the change in water consumption was insignificant. People are the drivers of water demand and existing residential properties have already been taken into account in the demand forecast.

Other

How can I have a say in our future water supply?

Over the next couple of months, a draft of the updated Future Water Strategy will be available for consultation. You will be able to provide feedback online via the web or through community information

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 5 of 6 sessions. To be kept informed about upcoming consultation, contact Rous County Council on [email protected].

Does everyone have an equal say across the region – it seems some people will be more impacted than others?

We need to focus on long term water security. We are anticipating it will be a significant challenge in the future. There are no easy solutions and the solutions will need to be viewed from multiple perspectives. We want to ensure whatever option we choose is sustainable in terms of environment, social and cost.

There is no solution that will suit everyone. There will be community benefits that will come at a cost to some stakeholders. Our aim is to ensure we fully understand those benefits and impacts, weigh up the risks and work with impacted parties to mitigate the impacts to the best of our ability.

Will you consult the local traditional custodians on the future water strategy?

Yes, the local traditional custodians are important stakeholders in the future water strategy. Rous County Council acknowledges the Widjabal/Wi-abal people’s deep relationship with the land and water, and strongly values their traditional laws, knowledge and lessons about places and sustainability.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan has established mechanisms to consult local Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples on key projects, such as the Future Water Strategy.

Are you factoring in future needs for water to fight fires?

Our demand forecasting takes into consideration a whole range of factors, including the impacts of climate change. The amount of water utilised from Rocky Creek and Emigrant Creek dams by the Rural Fire Service in fighting fires is negligible in the context of the volume of the dams.

I have a question that is not answered here?

You can ask a question or seek more information by contact us at [email protected]. These questions will be updated as the investigations into alternative options are completed.

Future Water Strategy | Frequently Asked Questions | Page 6 of 6