Council has been lobbying the Minister for Water Phil Costa for months to request a review of water allocations to the users of Oberon Dam, due to the lowering water level.

The Minister announced on Tuesday that the Office of Water, led by commissioner for Water David Harris would be contacting FRWS customers to begin the consultation process.

Councillors congratulated both acting general manager Leigh Robins and Mayor Keith Sullivan at Tuesday night’s council meeting for their dedication in urging the Minister to request the review.

Mr Robins said the Mayor deserved particular appreciation for his very passionate and forceful representations to the Minister to try and preserve Oberon’s only diminishing water supply.

Minister Costa said the FRWS has long been managed by the customers.

“The prolonged low levels of the dam have raised questions about the effectiveness of the supply scheme and operating rules in drought conditions,” he said.

“Oberon Mayor Keith Sullivan and State Member Gerard Martin have raised strong concerns on behalf of the Oberon community in relation to the management of the water supply.

“The Office of Water has vast experience working through complex water management issues and is most qualified to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fish River Water Supply.

“The Commissioner will look at a number of options, including the development of a water sharing plan,” he said.