Water wallies face heavy fines

Alex de Vos
Water wallies could face on-the-spot fines of up to $584 for breaching restrictions, authorities have warned.
Barwon Water managing director Michael Malouf said the new legislation would target people who “flagrantly disregarded the law”.
He said penalties would vary according to the level of restrictions, but under Stage 4, a maximum penalty of $584 would apply.
“People need to be aware that the rules that applied in the past do not apply now,” Mr Malouf said.
“It will allow Barwon Water to manage and supervise restrictions in a way that was not possible previously.”
He said trained water officers would be required to gather detailed evidence before issuing an infringement notice.
“The new legislation gives officers more power,” he said.
He said people with unpaid fines would be subject to legal proceedings.
Despite the introduction of tighter legislation, Mr Malouf said customers had responded positively to limits on water use.
“The community’s response to restrictions has been nothing short of fantastic,” Mr Malouf.
“Through their cooperation and spirit of community, there had been substantial savings that had allowed Barwon Water to carefully manage existing resources,” Mr Malouf said.
“This legislation is aimed solely at anyone who does not do the right thing, who chooses to ignore the rules while the rest of the community cooperates for the wider benefit.”
He urged people to report alleged abusers.
“People are respecting the rules and have been prepared to report alleged abuses by others,” Mr Malouf said.
“This feedback has helped ensure significant water savings across the board.
“Indeed, our experience is that the community feels very strongly when people do not share this goodwill.”
Mr Malouf said he did not expect a “flurry” of infringement notices.
“Customers right across the board have cooperated with restrictions and we are seeing a general change in behaviour toward water use,” he said.
“But we’ll take the strongest possible action.”