St George to move to Level 3 Water Restrictions by end of September

Council's current water allocation has increased to 1255ML thanks to more transfers to the system from offline storages. This should delay the move to level 3 restriction for at least another month.

SunWater also have advised that repair works at Beardmore Dam have now been completed and will able to capture and store any inflows.

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River water supplies in the Jack Taylor Weir at St George have fallen to 1106ML leaving Council no choice but to introduce Level 3 Water Restrictions by the end of September.

Mayor Richard Marsh said Council’s current river water allocation for St George in Jack Taylor Weir had reached a critical point.

“With the little rain the catchment and works on the Beardmore Dam requiring the dam to be drained we have little choice but to introduce Level 3 restrictions,” he said.

“The level of Jack Taylor Weir is not indicative of the remaining Balonne Shire Council allocation as the weir also stores water for stock and irrigation purposes.

“Forecasts are showing we will have a dry spring so I urge St George residents, schools and businesses to be vigilant in their use of river water.

“Those with automatic watering systems must ensure the hours are updated to avoid an infringement notice and a fine.

“Once the supply at Jack Taylor Weir falls to 500ML we will need to move to Level 4 which means no watering of gardens – except with a hand-held hose.

“Council will revise restrictions should there be adequate inflow to the dam over the coming months.”

Level 3 restrictions means residents will only be able to water their gardens between the hours of 6pm and 8pm on their allocated watering days. Watering with hand-held hoses is permitted at any time.

No written warning will be provided for breaches on Level 3 and 4 restrictions and a first offence will result in an infringement notice and fine.

Council staff will monitor compliance with the water restrictions and breaches will be actioned.

For a full list of water hours go to Council’s website – www.balonne.qld.gov.au/st-george-water-restrictions