IN a bid to increase the city's water security, Bathurst Regional Council has engaged 10 different consultants to investigate what options are available.
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A report to the next council meeting identifies the consultants and the "short term projects" they are helping council to examine.
Western Region Institute (WRI) has been asked to provide economic modelling to better inform the NSW Government of the value of the Bathurst economy and economc justification to provide investment into necessary water infrastructure.
Last week, councillor John Fry said it was essential that Bathurst get further support from the government to deliver water security projects.
He plans to move a motion at Wednesday's meeting for council to consider declaring Bathurst in a state of water emergency.
His decision to press on with the motion was spurred by the NSW Government's decision to not support a water allocation from Oberon Dam and the Fish River scheme, which council had been hoping to use to bolster the water supply.
Cr Fry said declaring Bathurst in a state of water emergency may give council some leverage on other projects.
"It could put us in a better position to get funding and it should get us fast-tracked approvals through the government agencies," he said.
To further assist with its water projects, council has engaged Crennan Legal to provide advice in several areas.
Consultants have also been engaged for stormwater harvesting investigations, water quality investigations at Winburndale Dam, and to make inquries on council's behalf for the potential purchase of groundwater and general access irrigation licences.
Smart Water Mark has also been called upon to provide water efficiency audits to 26 of the largest users of Bathurst's potable water supply.
These consultancies, and others, are being funded from the $2 million drought assistance provided to council by the state government.