Members of the working group visit the Wilsons River source of water in February this year (when they were part of the Lismore Source Project Reference Group). Photo: Peter Cuming

Our drinking water is now sourced not only from the relatively pristine Rocky Creek Dam, but also from the Wilsons River, just upstream from Lismore at Howards Grass. Rous Water has developed this new water source for the region’s water security.
This means that the whole of the Wilsons River catchment area becomes our drinking water catchment, stretching from Upper Wilsons Creek and Upper Coopers Creek in the north to Byron Creek in the east (near Bangalow) and Pearces Creek in the south (near Mcleans Ridges). All flow into Wilsons River and westwards towards Lismore.
The ’raw’ water from the river is piped to the Nightcap Treatment Plant near Rocky Creek Dam, where it will be treated to a high level for our use. However, the quality of the water that goes into treatment influences the level of treatment that is required and the ultimate quality of our drinking water. If you live, work or play anywhere in the Wilsons River catchment area, your actions could be directly affecting the quality of our drinking water supply.
To this end, Rous Water has initiated a catchment planning process to improve the health of the catchment and its water quality before it even reaches the treatment plant. As Anthony Acret, Catchment Assets Manager of Rous Water, says: “The best way to ensure healthy water is to protect and enhance the natural ecosystems in the catchment area which produce clean water. Healthy catchments mean healthy water.”
Rous Water have engaged environmental scientists, Ecos Environmental Consulting, to develop a Catchment Management Plan that builds on the considerable work that has been done in the region up to this date. It will be based on the most up to date information and scientific modelling, and linked with other management plans (like the new Richmond Estuary Management Plan). Local consultants, Sustainable Futures Australia, are facilitating the community engagement aspect of the catchment planning process. This consultation aims to find out from people in the catchment what they value about the catchment area, the main catchment management issues and get feedback on draft management options.
Ways for people to get involved through the plan making which has just started and continues through 2008, includes access to a webpage, newsletters and e-list, information days and a catchment planning working group. The first working group meeting was held last Tuesday the 15th of April at the Lismore Workers Club and participants included representatives from the Big Scrub Environment Centre, NSW Farmers , macadamia and pecan industries, Landcare groups, Rous Water and key NSW government agencies.
Sustainable Futures Australia are looking for more people in the local community who would like to get involved in caring for our new drinking water catchment. You can email them at wilsonsriver@sustainablefutures.com.au or call Kirstie Fisher on 66857194.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact Kirstie Fisher or Elizabeth Bragg at Sustainable Futures Australia 66857194
Editor’s note: although not shown on map below, Dunoon is in the Wilsons River Catchment area.