Drought forces water curbs on millions of Australians
Date: 30-Oct-02
Country: AUSTRALIA
The restrictions, which target a reduction in the outdoor use of water for such things as watering the garden, washing cars and filling swimming pools, will be enforced from November 1.
"Restrictions are likely to be in place for at least six to nine months and possibly longer if rainfall remains below average," Victorian Environment Minister Sherryl Garbutt said.
She said breaches of the restrictions, which will also be implemented in 150 other towns throughout the state, carry fines of between A$4,000 ($2,200) and prison terms of up to six months.
Australia is suffering its worst drought in 100 years, which government forecaster ABARE has predicted will wipe A$5.4 billion from the nation's economy in 2002/03.
Melbourne, with a population of 3.5 million, was hit hard during the 1982/83 drought that was caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon. Residents faced months of water restrictions and major bushfires on the city's fringes caused scores of deaths and widespread damage.
The country's largest city, Sydney, is also facing the threat of water restrictions, while emergency water supplies are already being trucked to several towns in country New South Wales state.