THE dropping dam level has convinced Oberon Council to increase the price for the water from its standpipe on Lowes Mount Road.
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Council had been offering the water - for rural and non-residential ratepayers - for 67 cents per 1000 litres in a subsidised scheme introduced in response to the drought.
The water bought under the subsidised scheme has to be used only within the Oberon local government area.
READ ALSO: Water help extended again as dry drags on
At the council meeting in March, however, it was resolved to raise the price to $2.97 for 1000 litres of water from the standpipe.
The $2.97 per 1000 litres is the same price paid by residential users for their reticulated town supply and council says this will ensure equity in the population.
The decision was taken in view of the impending level three restrictions when Oberon Dam falls to 25 per cent capacity.
The dam is currently at just over 25 per cent and falling.
Should level four restrictions be required at 20 per cent, council says it will further consider its position about additional or supplementary users accessing the Oberon water supply.
Since the introduction of the drought water subsidy in May 2018, council says a total of 11,453,500 litres of water has been purchased.
The total spent under the assistance program to date is $7282 from a potential residential water charge of $33,745.
Council staff say they continue to lobby Water NSW for the introduction of additional protections for Oberon's only water supply and say they will continue to look at opportunities for alternative supplies.
LIBRARY ACCESS
AT Oberon Council's March meeting, Cr Andrew McKibbin moved a motion, that was carried, for council to investigate the feasibility, practicality and demand for having extended library hours.
That includes investigating the feasibility, practicality and demand for allowing registered community members to have a 24-hour access card for the library.
Cr McKibbin said Oberon Library is a wonderful facility and opening 24 hours would be of benefit for high school students who want to study and those looking for a quiet area.
Security was an issue raised, but Cr McKibbin said users would have an access card and they would be advised they were being monitored by security cameras while they at the location.
Cr Clive McCarthy voted against Cr McKibbin's motion.
