Preparing for future water challenges in the Strathbogie area

BUSINESSES in Strathbogie Shire can now access free support to analyse their water use and plan for future droughts and floods. Strathbogie Shire Council and Water Stewardship Asia Pacific are offering local businesses a free Water RoadMap Workshop to assess their own water use, information on catchment issues, and support to identify opportunities to contribute to collective catchment outcomes. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks said the Water RoadMap workshop provided an instant assessment of water use, governance and challenges against 23 critical water–related indicators, including issues such as water use and wastewater management, social and environmental values, business risk and impacts of climate change. "Participants in the project will be able to take part in a joint workshop to share their water risks and challenges with others," Cr Binks said. "It‘s also a chance to discuss ways they can plan and manage future water shocks – such as drought and floods – by working together to build resilience and better catchment outcomes." Water Stewardship chief executive officer Rod Knight said the Water RoadMap delivered a quick and easy way for businesses to understand their water use and provided the foundation for planning to build business resilience and continuity under a changing climate. "Most businesses who engage with Water Stewardship are able to reduce their water use and water costs, and by planning ahead are better placed to deal with water challenges when they arise," he said. "A water crisis during drought is the last time to be preparing to manage the water–related risks that affect businesses and communities." The project is funded by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and will introduce Water Stewardship to Strathbogie Shire and nearby areas to assist businesses, council and other stakeholders in addressing shared water challenges in the catchment. An information session will be held online on March 1 2023 from 8.30am to 9.15am. To register for the session or express interest in the being a part of the project, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcOGvqTopHtEGrUYscXIU015FKkNVkwVl.