The desalination plant is running, but these Victorian towns are on water restrictions
The park has digital water meters installed, which helps to better detect leaks, and removed old spas from some rooms, which has helped save water. Park management is also considering using recycled water for toilet flushing, and harvesting more rainwater.
'These are not conversations we're having because we're on water restrictions,' McGowan said. 'These are things we've been working on for some years to become more efficient.'
This month, Victorian Water Minister Gayle Tierney told a public accounts and estimates committee hearing that Apollo Bay might progress to stage 4 restrictions, the most stringent category, depending on rainfall. Heavy rain over the King's Birthday weekend has allayed the likelihood that water restrictions will be tightened in Apollo Bay.
However, climate change is expected to continue putting pressure on Victoria's water supplies.
'We know in years to come, we will see less overall rainfall, while our population continues to grow,' Tierney told the committee.
Tierney has recently ordered 50 gigalitres of water from the desalination plant in Wonthaggi, on the Gippsland coast, which can be distributed to Melbourne and Geelong. She said the desalination plant had contributed 550 gigalitres to water storage levels since 2016-17.
That was enough to fill the MCG 320 times, the minister said.
Honorary professor Stephen Gray, a water treatment expert at Victoria University, said the desalination plant contributed to Melbourne's water system, which was linked to Geelong. Water can also be distributed to some towns in southern Gippsland.
Gray said the desalination plant had helped Melbourne avoid water restrictions.
'It has provided a safety net so far,' he said.
However, he said many towns in regional Victoria had their own isolated water systems that could not be connected to the desalination plant.
Gray suggested the state might in the future need to consider further water infrastructure measures, including another desalination plant or even using recycled water.
This week, Apollo Bay's water storages sat at just under 35 per cent, up from about 20 per cent earlier this month. Apollo Bay draws its water from a closed system, which means it cannot access water from the desalination plant or other regions.
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Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the region received more than 50 millimetres of rain over the June long weekend.
'It is unlikely that we will need to introduce stricter water restrictions in the Apollo Bay area this winter. We'll continue to monitor water demand, storage levels and climate forecasts to determine when we can ease the current stage 3 restrictions,' he said.
Adrian Davidson, the manager of the Big 4 holiday park in Apollo Bay, said many visitors come from Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, so were unaware the area is now subject to water restrictions.
Earlier this year Apollo Bay and the neighbouring towns of Marengo and Skenes Creek were placed on stage 2 restrictions, which was later hiked to stage 3 as the drought deepened its hold.
Recently, an electronic sign was erected on a main entrance into Apollo Bay, alerting visitors to the water saving measures. Davidson said it was crucial his park was a responsible water user.
'It's critical for us to set an example. If we're not doing it, why should anyone else?' he said.
There is a range of restrictions under stage 3, including bans on watering residential and commercials lawns. And gardens can only be watered with dripper systems on alternate days between 6am and 8am. Only the windows, lights and registration plates of cars can be washed at home.
Under stage 4 restrictions, councils and schools cannot water sports grounds or gardens at any time.
Central Highlands Water said extremely dry conditions and the lowest soil moisture on record in the Daylesford and Hepburn region to the end of May prompted the decision to introduce stage 2 restrictions from July 1.
Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said the low-level restrictions were being implemented to raise awareness about water efficiency.
'Our goal is to lift restrictions as soon as conditions allow, but if dry weather and soil conditions persist, further restrictions may be necessary,' he said.
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The Age
11 hours ago
- The Age
The desalination plant is running, but these Victorian towns are on water restrictions
The park has digital water meters installed, which helps to better detect leaks, and removed old spas from some rooms, which has helped save water. Park management is also considering using recycled water for toilet flushing, and harvesting more rainwater. 'These are not conversations we're having because we're on water restrictions,' McGowan said. 'These are things we've been working on for some years to become more efficient.' This month, Victorian Water Minister Gayle Tierney told a public accounts and estimates committee hearing that Apollo Bay might progress to stage 4 restrictions, the most stringent category, depending on rainfall. Heavy rain over the King's Birthday weekend has allayed the likelihood that water restrictions will be tightened in Apollo Bay. However, climate change is expected to continue putting pressure on Victoria's water supplies. 'We know in years to come, we will see less overall rainfall, while our population continues to grow,' Tierney told the committee. Tierney has recently ordered 50 gigalitres of water from the desalination plant in Wonthaggi, on the Gippsland coast, which can be distributed to Melbourne and Geelong. She said the desalination plant had contributed 550 gigalitres to water storage levels since 2016-17. That was enough to fill the MCG 320 times, the minister said. Honorary professor Stephen Gray, a water treatment expert at Victoria University, said the desalination plant contributed to Melbourne's water system, which was linked to Geelong. Water can also be distributed to some towns in southern Gippsland. Gray said the desalination plant had helped Melbourne avoid water restrictions. 'It has provided a safety net so far,' he said. However, he said many towns in regional Victoria had their own isolated water systems that could not be connected to the desalination plant. Gray suggested the state might in the future need to consider further water infrastructure measures, including another desalination plant or even using recycled water. This week, Apollo Bay's water storages sat at just under 35 per cent, up from about 20 per cent earlier this month. Apollo Bay draws its water from a closed system, which means it cannot access water from the desalination plant or other regions. Loading Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the region received more than 50 millimetres of rain over the June long weekend. 'It is unlikely that we will need to introduce stricter water restrictions in the Apollo Bay area this winter. We'll continue to monitor water demand, storage levels and climate forecasts to determine when we can ease the current stage 3 restrictions,' he said. Adrian Davidson, the manager of the Big 4 holiday park in Apollo Bay, said many visitors come from Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, so were unaware the area is now subject to water restrictions. Earlier this year Apollo Bay and the neighbouring towns of Marengo and Skenes Creek were placed on stage 2 restrictions, which was later hiked to stage 3 as the drought deepened its hold. Recently, an electronic sign was erected on a main entrance into Apollo Bay, alerting visitors to the water saving measures. Davidson said it was crucial his park was a responsible water user. 'It's critical for us to set an example. If we're not doing it, why should anyone else?' he said. There is a range of restrictions under stage 3, including bans on watering residential and commercials lawns. And gardens can only be watered with dripper systems on alternate days between 6am and 8am. Only the windows, lights and registration plates of cars can be washed at home. Under stage 4 restrictions, councils and schools cannot water sports grounds or gardens at any time. Central Highlands Water said extremely dry conditions and the lowest soil moisture on record in the Daylesford and Hepburn region to the end of May prompted the decision to introduce stage 2 restrictions from July 1. Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said the low-level restrictions were being implemented to raise awareness about water efficiency. 'Our goal is to lift restrictions as soon as conditions allow, but if dry weather and soil conditions persist, further restrictions may be necessary,' he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The desalination plant is running, but these Victorian towns are on water restrictions
The park has digital water meters installed, which helps to better detect leaks, and removed old spas from some rooms, which has helped save water. Park management is also considering using recycled water for toilet flushing, and harvesting more rainwater. 'These are not conversations we're having because we're on water restrictions,' McGowan said. 'These are things we've been working on for some years to become more efficient.' This month, Victorian Water Minister Gayle Tierney told a public accounts and estimates committee hearing that Apollo Bay might progress to stage 4 restrictions, the most stringent category, depending on rainfall. Heavy rain over the King's Birthday weekend has allayed the likelihood that water restrictions will be tightened in Apollo Bay. However, climate change is expected to continue putting pressure on Victoria's water supplies. 'We know in years to come, we will see less overall rainfall, while our population continues to grow,' Tierney told the committee. Tierney has recently ordered 50 gigalitres of water from the desalination plant in Wonthaggi, on the Gippsland coast, which can be distributed to Melbourne and Geelong. She said the desalination plant had contributed 550 gigalitres to water storage levels since 2016-17. That was enough to fill the MCG 320 times, the minister said. Honorary professor Stephen Gray, a water treatment expert at Victoria University, said the desalination plant contributed to Melbourne's water system, which was linked to Geelong. Water can also be distributed to some towns in southern Gippsland. Gray said the desalination plant had helped Melbourne avoid water restrictions. 'It has provided a safety net so far,' he said. However, he said many towns in regional Victoria had their own isolated water systems that could not be connected to the desalination plant. Gray suggested the state might in the future need to consider further water infrastructure measures, including another desalination plant or even using recycled water. This week, Apollo Bay's water storages sat at just under 35 per cent, up from about 20 per cent earlier this month. Apollo Bay draws its water from a closed system, which means it cannot access water from the desalination plant or other regions. Loading Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the region received more than 50 millimetres of rain over the June long weekend. 'It is unlikely that we will need to introduce stricter water restrictions in the Apollo Bay area this winter. We'll continue to monitor water demand, storage levels and climate forecasts to determine when we can ease the current stage 3 restrictions,' he said. Adrian Davidson, the manager of the Big 4 holiday park in Apollo Bay, said many visitors come from Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, so were unaware the area is now subject to water restrictions. Earlier this year Apollo Bay and the neighbouring towns of Marengo and Skenes Creek were placed on stage 2 restrictions, which was later hiked to stage 3 as the drought deepened its hold. Recently, an electronic sign was erected on a main entrance into Apollo Bay, alerting visitors to the water saving measures. Davidson said it was crucial his park was a responsible water user. 'It's critical for us to set an example. If we're not doing it, why should anyone else?' he said. There is a range of restrictions under stage 3, including bans on watering residential and commercials lawns. And gardens can only be watered with dripper systems on alternate days between 6am and 8am. Only the windows, lights and registration plates of cars can be washed at home. Under stage 4 restrictions, councils and schools cannot water sports grounds or gardens at any time. Central Highlands Water said extremely dry conditions and the lowest soil moisture on record in the Daylesford and Hepburn region to the end of May prompted the decision to introduce stage 2 restrictions from July 1. Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said the low-level restrictions were being implemented to raise awareness about water efficiency. 'Our goal is to lift restrictions as soon as conditions allow, but if dry weather and soil conditions persist, further restrictions may be necessary,' he said.
Perth Now
14-06-2025
- Perth Now
Severe frost alert for Aussie farmers
A severe weather warning has been issued for Australia's farmers as much of the nation suffers through another cold June day. The Bureau of Meteorology sounded the alarm for farmers in NSW and South Australia warning icy temperatures could impact their livestock. The BoM's warning is for those living in the Northern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains forecast districts of NSW. 'Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures and northerly winds are expected during Saturday and Sunday,' BOM said. 'There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions'. Snow near Orange, NSW on June 9, 2025. Source: @printhiewine / Instagram. Credit: Supplied Queensland is in the middle of a cold snap that started on Thursday. WeatherWatch Credit: Supplied It was a similar message for farmers in South Australia, including parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges district, who will also experience icy conditions with risk to lambs and sheep. Chilling start to winter Millions of Aussies have shivered through a cold snap that started across the King's Birthday long weekend. The mercury plunged in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania before the system moved north hitting the sunshine state. Residents in Bondi were rugged up during the King's long weekend. NewsWire / Damian Shaw Credit: News Corp Australia Temperatures reached near record breaking lows in southeast Queensland on Friday, with the mercury dropping 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below average. Friday was the coldest June day in the Brisbane CBD since 2002, warming to just 5.2 degrees. Not only did the Brisbane freeze, temperatures dropped into the negative further west in the state with Ipswich suburb Amberley recording a low of -1.6 degrees while Oakey in Toowoomba fell to -5.1 degrees. Sky News Australia's Kaiser Shields said there is a chance of frost in southern Queensland until Monday when warmer weather and higher humidity sweeps across the state. Will the cold weather last? Despite a cold start to the year, the Bureau of Meteorology is actually predicting a mild and wet winter over the next few months. Every state and territory is expected to have above average temperatures with Sydney, Perth and Melbourne having more than a 50 per cent chance of recording unusually high maximum temperatures from June to August. BOM also says there will be warmer than average nights across Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures. But in return for the slightly warmer temperatures it will be a wet winter. 'Rainfall is likely to be above average for much of Australia, except in parts of the southeast and southwest,' BOM wrote.
