After identifying urban salinity in 1993, Wagga Wagga City Council allocated $3 million to implement programs to address the issue. These programs include education, revegetation, leakage reduction and urban borefield projects.
Education program
To educate the community on urban salinity, Council appointed an Urban Salinity Facilitator. The Facilitator provides a first point of contact for salinity information and helps people recognise the symptoms of salinity, so together with Council, they can prevent an unacceptable level. The facilitator also aims to encourage changes in behaviour such as the way the community uses water, as well as producing educational materials for schools and households.
Revegetation Program
Extensive planting has occurred following identification of at risk areas, types of trees to be planted, and the required density of plantations.
Leakage Reduction Program
This program aimed at reducing the groundwater inputs induced by urbanisation. The Leakage Reduction Program involves addressing leakage in the water supply system, checking the effectiveness of roof water drainage systems, removal of rubble pits by the installation of rear of block drainage, and minimising losses from sewer and drainage pipe systems.
Urban Borefield Program
The Urban Borefield Program involved the installation of ten bores in areas exhibiting severe damage to residences. The aim is to produce a significant impact on the watertable over a short period of time. These programs, which are a mixture of long term, medium term and quick fix solutions, demonstrate Wagga’s proactive approach towards salinity and Council’s determination to win the battle.
For further information, contact Bryan Short, Manager Design Services, telephone (02) 6926 9100.
