MidCoast Council has announced the winners of its second annual National Water Week Junior Writing Prize. The competition drew its highest number of entries so far, on the theme Water connects everything. Harvey Crameri won the primary school category, Chloe Ekins the junior high school category, and Eva Wood McGuire the senior high school category with her poem Water Bird, which follows the Manning River from the Barrington Tops to Old Bar. Council director Rob Scott praised the diverse and thought-provoking entries. The full list of winners can be viewed on the council's Water Wiser Hub.
Primary students from Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Manor Lakes and Werribee have placed first, second and third in Greater Western Water's National Water Week poster competition. Over 2320 students from early learning to year 8 entered, using painting, drawing and digital media to show water saving tips and the need to protect the resource. First prize winners in each age group moved on to state awards, with individual prizes valued at up to $100. Cambridge Primary School in Hoppers Crossing received this year's $500 school prize, sponsored by Southern Rural Water for a sustainable project.
Gympie Regional Council is asking residents to consider the work behind their water supply during National Water Week. Council operates eight water treatment plants around the clock, producing more than 4,095 megalitres of drinking water each year. It also manages an extensive underground network of water mains. This financial year, the council has budgeted $49.6 million for water and wastewater upgrades and renewal projects. Mayor Glen Hartwig said residents can help conserve water by fixing leaks and using water efficiently.
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Residents on the Cassowary Coast are being urged to rethink everyday water habits during National Water Week, despite living in one of Australia's wettest regions. Mayor Teresa Millwood said water should not be taken for granted, regardless of rainfall. Council recommends fixing leaking taps and toilets, keeping showers short, and running washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads. Gardeners are advised to water early or late in the day and choose water-efficient plants. Residents with smart water meters can use Your Water Portal to monitor use and receive leak alerts.
MidCoast Council is inviting residents to tour water and sewer facilities during National Water Week, which runs from 19 to 25 October. Two tours of the Bootawa Water Treatment Plant combine a behind-the-scenes look at drinking water supply for 80,000 people with a walk through surrounding koala habitat. Stroud residents can join a combined tour of the town's water and sewage treatment plants. Council's Chenxi Zeng said the tours show the everyday role water plays. Water Night, on Thursday 22 October, asks people to avoid running taps between 5pm and 10pm.
