Water Efficiency Plans still not done
23 April 2008
Commerce Queensland has urged all businesses required to implement a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) to embrace their responsibilities and get cracking.
Currently 1,091 businesses in the South East corner use more than 10 mega litres of water per year and are required to lodge a WEMP.
Commerce Queensland President, Beatrice Booth, is somewhat concerned that as at the 29 February not all businesses had met their obligation in lodging a WEMP.
"We are very impressed that 941, or 86 per cent of businesses, have submitted a WEMP and signalled they are meeting their responsibilities in ensuring South East Queensland continues to have adequate water storage levels," Mrs Booth said.
"However, we have no doubt that if a business fails to submit a WEMP they will be subjected to legal action."
"While Commerce Queensland does not wish to see businesses prosecuted, instead favouring an educational approach, unfortunately 14 of the 150 businesses so far failing to submit a WEMP, have been subjected to court action."
"Commerce Queensland is available to assist these businesses, and our view is that to be caught having not even started a WEMP will have much graver consequences than a late submission or a business in the midst of meeting this requirement," Mrs Booth said.
However, Commerce Queensland can almost understand their lethargy in adopting a WEMP.
As at the 29 February, only 233 or 24.7 per cent of WEMPs submitted had been approved. A massive 73.8 per cent are yet to be approved with respective local government authorities sitting on them. Whether the Councils do not have the necessary resources or are being tardy in meeting their end, businesses are getting frustrated over their WEMPs remaining unresolved.
Commerce Queensland is strongly urging the Queensland Water Commission to scrutinise the hold ups and endeavour to find a solution to this looming crisis.
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