Cr Roz Frohloff
August 17, 2017
Water standpipes at Benarkin, Blackbutt and elsewhere that have been put out of action by vandalism should be operating again soon.
Water portfolio chair Cr Roz Frohloff told Wednesday’s Council meeting that staff had recently taken delivery of new card-operated units for the standpipes.
“Unfortunately the theft and vandalism of Council-operated standpipes is continuing to be an issue,” Cr Frohloff said.
“Benarkin’s standpipe has been damaged beyond repair and people who rely on this valuable water source continue to have to drive to Blackbutt.”
Cr Frohloff said staff are now working with the suppliers of the new units to have a Paywave facility for credit and debit cards installed, along with a prepaid swipe card facility.
The use of cards on the standpipes would remove the attraction of coin boxes for thieves, and hopefully help put an end to vandalism issues.
Cr Frohloff said that as soon as the new units can be configured, they will be installed by Council staff.
Residents will then be able to buy prepaid cards to use with the standpipes from Council offices, or use their own Paywave cards.
“Hopefully the community will be able to continue to use these facilities,” she said.
