Following questions from the Courier Sun, Bellingen Shire Council released this explanatory statement regarding emergency water restrictions:
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"Council actively monitors river flows and Level 5 (Emergency) Water Restrictions will commence if the water flow ceases at the Foster Gauging Station or if saline intrusion is detected in the aquifers.
Alternately, Level 5 (Emergency) Water Restrictions may commence when a proposed temporary desalination plant becomes operational.
During Level 5 (Emergency) Water Restrictions Council will also increase compliance and meter reading activities to actively monitor water usage and ensure our community and local industries are observing daily water usage targets as they are introduced.
The council has also announced that it will hold an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, December 11 at 9am to "consider a report about processes/funding re emergency water supply for Bellingen".
The Business Paper for this meeting will be on the council's website by close of business on Friday.
A council spokesman said it was vital that people took their water consumption seriously:
"The community has to help us to help them - it really is important to take those three minute showers and to collect the cold water that flows before the hot arrives in a bucket for your plants," he said.