Background

On 26 June 2024, Council adopted its 2024-2034 Long Term Plan (LTP) which included the decision to divest itself from the delivery of the stockwater services by 30 June 2027.

Funding has been included in the LTP for a managed and inclusive exit of the Council delivering stockwater, with a stockwater working group being established to monitor progress.  It is anticipated that most properties will be able to be supplied with stockwater from an alternative supply such as an irrigation company or the like.

The key reasons for Council ceasing to deliver stockwater by 30 June 2027 are:

• The stockwater network is an ageing and inefficient method of delivering water for livestock to farms.
• Maintaining the system is getting costlier because the infrastructure is ageing and needs replacement. Many components, related to the channels (eg race gates, junctions, flumes) will need replacing over the next few decades.
• The service relies on having sufficient water in the system to keep the water flowing. During summer, water sources often dry up, meaning we can’t always guarantee the service.
• There are other, more modern ways for properties to get stockwater. A lot of people who pay for this service don't use it because they've found more efficient ways to get stockwater such as through irrigation schemes.
• Meeting new environmental requirements will add extra cost to ensure the system is viable in the future. For example, this includes the installation of fish screens on some intakes to meet these new standards.

All properties that have stockwater races running through them will be consulted with during the divestment process.  Some races may not be closed due to ecological values or for other reasons and this will be considered and worked through as part of the process.