RE: "Hitting the brakes on growth would hurt jobs, chamber says", March 5.
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The Bathurst Business Chamber is absolutely correct in regards to comments made about our region's growth.
Slowing down the rate of growth will impact the jobs available in our region, however, running completely dry of water will too.
It's a discussion we need to have, even if it's a few years too late - jobs or water?
There is no doubt that Bathurst is heading towards tough times; with the supposed "D-Day" in October, difficult decisions need to be made.
It will rain before then, of course, but that is no excuse to avoid proactive discussion.
In my opinion, the rate of growth should come down to water.
Bathurst Regional Council and associated parties should be monitoring and controlling the region's rate of growth according to the resources and infrastructure available at that point in time.
For example, a profusion of water would see the growth rate increased and in line with projected figures, while times of drought would see the growth rate reduced.
And, yes, while jobs will be harmed, businesses can survive on a stagnant population.
People, however, cannot survive without water.