Shire of Capel is now a Waterwise Council
MINISTER FOR WATER
DR GRAHAM JACOBS
Local Government momentum increases to become Waterwise
Water Minister Dr Graham Jacobs today recognised the South West’s Shire of Capel for joining a statewide water saving program.
Capel, and the cities of Melville, Joondalup and Subiaco, and the shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale are the latest councils to join the Waterwise Council Program.
The program was developed by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation in conjunction with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, to encourage councils across the state to take actions that save water.
Dr Jacobs commended the Shire of Capel for working with the government to set new standards in water conservation and efficiency.
“It is great to see that they have made changes in all areas, including efficient use of groundwater resources for public open spaces and even within its offices,” Dr Jacobs said.
“They have set an excellent water reduction goal of at least 15 per cent by 2015, and developed a local action plan to carry out a range of measures to reduce water consumption and improve water quality.
“One of the major initiatives by these leaders in responsible water management, is the installation of a 30,000 gallon water tank as part of the redevelopment of the Capel Community Centre. The water will be used to supply the shire office and centre toilets. Drinking water will also be supplied via the installation of an ultra-violet sterilising unit to ensure safe supply.
“The on-going installation of gross pollutant traps at Dalyellup and Capel subdivisions; the extensive use of local and West Australian native species in public open space plantings and the development of a kit for builders regarding the reduction of impacts to stormwater systems are other sensible steps being taken.
“Councils are major water users, and by committing to this program the Shire of Capel promises to make a real difference to the built and natural environment it represents.”
Dr Jacobs said all five councils had developed water conservation and efficiency plans, and reached important milestones in the ICLEI Water CampaignTM.
“To achieve Waterwise Council status, these councils have established plans of action toward defined, concrete, measurable targets; they have worked toward meeting these targets through the implementation of projects; and evaluated local and cumulative progress toward sustainable use of water.
“These actions will be more important as water becomes more scarce and costly.
“The councils are investing in their own financial sustainability as well as the sustainability of the environment their constituents enjoy and live in.
“There is a cost to our lifestyle and the environment if we don’t conserve our groundwater or don’t mitigate our footprint – by investing now, these local governments are ensuring their sustainable future, and the future of others.”
Dr Jacobs also praised the Department of Water and the Water Corporation for working together and managing the Waterwise Council Program for Western Australia, with the assistance and cooperation of ICLEI.
“It is heartening to know that 34 councils are now taking part in this water wise program, and at least three more are close to achieving waterwise status.”
Councils which already hold the Waterwise Council status are the Cities of Perth and Mandurah, the shires of Augusta-Margaret River and Kalamunda, and the towns of Kwinana and Cambridge.
Dr Jacobs will present certificates to the latest five Waterwise councils at ICLEI’S Partners in Water Action breakfast at the WALGA Local Government Convention on 5 August 2010.
Other Shire of Capel waterwise initiatives:
• Public toilets retro-fitted with dual flush systems and water saving taps, and urinals in Dalyellup Community Centre retro-fitted to be waterless.
• The development of a ‘Growing local native plants in urban areas guide’ brochure for distribution to community and ‘Stormwater Guidelines’ for subdivisions.
• Monitoring for water quality throughout the shire
• Installation of a sub-meter at the council’s administration building to monitor consumption.