Thirsty work

Andrew Mathieson
INDUSTRY in the region will fall into line under tougher penalties for water wasters.
But they will only be slugged a $1000 fine for a first offence and $2000 for subsequent breaches.
Barwon Water’s permanent water savings plan has been in response to community concern that households are under tighter scrutiny than commercial users.
The move also reflects community views that people who ignore permanent water saving rules should be penalised, Barwon Water says.
The authority is implementing State Government’s water management action plan targeting 157 businesses that use more than 10 million litres of water a year.
Under the rules, companies will be required to create a plan to save at least 10 per cent of water.
“For those businesses that have already undertaken work toward water conservation, that will be taken into consideration when reviewing their plan,” chief executive Michael Malouf said.
“Our experience is that the region’s businesses are keen to save water.
“I don’t anticipate there will be a need to issue fines.”
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lawrie Miller said he believed the rules would’nt affect businesses’ bottom lines.
“I don’t think this is a real big stick,” Mr Miller said.
“I just think they want businesses to have a good look at our water situation to see whether they feel they’re doing the right thing.”
Geelong Manufacturing Council executive officer David Peart said he was confident the region’s industry would take up the challenge to save water.
“When you look at recent performance, the region’s manufacturing industry has lead the charge to reduce water usage with more than 30 per cent reductions common,” he said.