Snippets…

11 Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerits start on Thursday, 24th December to Sunday, 3rd January 2021 (inclusive) and apply for all speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Mobile Phone Detection Cameras will be used and fines issued. Drivers caught using their phones during this period will get a $457 fine and 10 demerits. With state borders now open and COVID restrictions further eased in NSW, authorities are expecting traffic to increase over the holiday period. NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said double demerit points worked as a deterrent for motorists’ bad behavior. “Statistics show there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are in play. All available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. All Police cars are a mobile random breath and drug testing unit – it is not just rhetoric, it is true. In Central West Police District, we will be concentrating our efforts on back roads and regional roads.”

Water Restrictions Eased: The Parkes Shire recently moved to Level 1 restrictions, which means domestic users can water with soaker hoses, micro sprays and drip systems before 10am and after 5pm on a daily basis. Hand-held hoses can be used at any time. Parkes Shire Council’s

Director Infrastructure Andrew Francis said: “Council implements restrictions on water usage under the Local Government Regulation, to ensure water supply is preserved in times of drought or other water scarcity.” The Parkes water supply includes a network of eight groundwater bores, a connection to the Lachlan River, two surface reservoirs (Lake Endeavour and Lake Metcalfe) and an advanced water recycling facility. For more information about Council’s Water Management and tips on how to conserve water at your property visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Help Manage Vegetation Growth: Council is reminding the community about the health and safety risks of overgrown blocks and verges. While Council is responsible for the maintenance and safety of public land, property owners in the Shire are responsible for their private property maintenance including vacant blocks, nature strips and laneways. Property owners need to ensure their property does not become a fire hazard or provide a place for vermin to live and breed. This includes keeping properties free from long grass and vegetation, as well as waste. For more information regarding overgrown and untidy properties, contact Council’s Planning and Environment Department on 6861 2373.