Families are the focus of an innovative response to the drought crisis facing the Southern and Western Downs local government areas, as well as Toowoomba, South Burnett and Goondiwindi.
A new campaign is set to roll out this Sunday 11 August 2019, that urges families to practice water-wise habits – such as turning off the tap when brushing teeth; habits that are passed from generation to generation.
Comprising TV and radio commercials, print advertisements and social media, the campaign unites Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi and South Burnett Regional Councils, plus the Queensland State Government, to create and fund the effort.
Southern Downs Mayor, Councillor Tracy Dobie, said the campaign message was simple.
“We are urging residents to embrace simple water-saving measures to support our community, as well as encouraging local businesses to manage water effectively. –” Cr Dobie said.
“It’s fitting the television commercial was shot here in Stanthorpe, featuring local residents, as the storages that service the town are reaching a very low level.
“Bringing together the State Government and all five councils in our region to spread this vital message is unprecedented, and we thank all involved for backing this initiative.”
Image: Mayor Tracy Dobie, Grape grower, Anne Burke and Apple & Grape Chair & water expert, Max Hunter raise public awareness about new water wise education campaign at media conference in Stanthorpe (8 August 2019).
While all five councils are facing water shortages of varying degrees – Goondiwindi last month moved to ‘level two’ restrictions and Toowoomba has nine towns on ‘medium’ and one (Vale View) on ‘high’ restrictions – Southern Downs, and Stanthorpe in particular, are facing the most acute shortages.
In March 2019 the council moved to ‘extreme’ restrictions and last month approved instigating ‘critical’ level measures from 1 September, limiting households to 100 litres of water per person per day.
“Our council is daily updating its plans for the provision of water for Stanthorpe but in the meantime, I urge you to continue visiting the town and beautiful surrounding regions,” Cr Dobie said.
“The support of visitors, particularly our fellow Queenslanders, is so vital during this tough time.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield said the region’s councils will look for further ways to work together beyond the life of the campaign.