BATHURST Regional Council's support for population growth has not changed as the city's dam drops, according to environmental, planning and building services director Neil Southorn.
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Mr Southorn says the consequences of a slower rate of population growth would be significant for the city's economy and people who want to move to Bathurst can't be stopped from doing so.
Under the next stage of Bathurst's water restrictions, which began on Monday, gardens can only be watered for a half hour twice a week using buckets or watering cans.
The latest tightening of the restrictions was triggered by Chifley Dam falling below 30 per cent, prompting a number of letters to the Advocate asking whether council would be refusing approval for new houses until the dam level had recovered.
Mr Southorn said there had been no change to council's attitude about new houses.
"Approvals for new dwellings continues to proceed," he said. "Approval of new residential subdivisions occurs on an occasional basis. Although there have been no new approvals for large subdivisions in the last few months, council is in discussions over four new projects."
In terms of whether council continued to support population growth for Bathurst, Mr Southorn was emphatic.
"Council has acted to improve water security during the current period of water restrictions, has identified infrastructure requirements for the future and remains confident that population growth can be accommodated after the current restrictions are eased," he said.
"The viability of regional cities depends on population growth to sustain the local economy and retain and attract services.
"It should be noted that the demand on council's town water supply has been relatively consistent over the last 10 years despite a growing population."
Mr Southorn said council was "aware of the opinion of a few members of the public who do not support population growth but the consequences of slow population growth on the local economy and the maintenance of essential services are significant".
"In any case, how would council prevent population growth and stop people wanting to move to Bathurst?" he asked.
"Population growth is expected to continue and something draconian such as a freeze on new residential subdivisions on land where it is legally permitted will have consequences in the property market because people moving to the city will need a place to live."