22 September 2009

The goal of saving up to 10,000 megalitres of water per year is closer to becoming a reality for local councils thanks to the extension of the Water Loss Management Program until June 2011.

The program is a joint initiative of the LGSA and the NSW Water Directorate, and includes Commonwealth funding of $7.3m from the Water Smart Australia program, part of the Government's $12.9 billion 'Water for the Future' plan.

President of the Shires Association Cr Bruce Miller praised the Commonwealth Government's extension of funding in his address to delegates at the 2009 Local Government and Shires Association Water Conference in Deniliquin. "The hard work and dedication of councils involved in the program is a key driving force in the extension of the program," he said.

"The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by councils has been outstanding, with 66 councils now participating - double the original amount.

"The Water Loss Management Program is crucial because it results in both environmental and financial savings.

"It achieves both short and long term objectives - promoting sustainability and water loss management techniques that help us now, while also putting mechanisms in place to help councils pinpoint and reduce water loss in the future."

President of the Local Government Association Cr Genia McCaffery says the program's extension provides an opportunity for more councils to become involved in the program.

"Councils can easily apply for funding to help them develop practical solutions for water loss management.

All the necessary program forms are available on the Water Loss Management Program website."
Cr McCaffery also praised the Commonwealth Government's strong support for the program.

"Projects such as this emphasise how well different spheres of government - as well as additional stakeholders such as the NSW Water Directorate - can effectively work together for the benefit of our
communities, and I thank the Commonwealth for their support."

Applications for the program will be open until December. Councils interested in participating should contact Water Loss Program Manager Ian Maggs on 02 9242 4127 and visit the Water Loss Management Program website, www.waterloss.lgsa.org.au.

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