| 2 June 2010
A Macalister Irrigation District farmer has been prosecuted for taking and using water without authority.
Mr Justin Johnston appeared before the Sale Magistrates Court on Tuesday 1 June, charged with wrongfully taking water.
Evidence presented to the court stated that Mr Johnston failed to shut off his irrigation wheel at the allotted time. He allowed his wheel to run for a further 18 hours outside the time allotted and this directly impacted the irrigation of a downstream customer.
Mr Johnston pleaded guilty to the charges and was placed on a diversion order to pay Southern Rural Water $730; make a donation of $500 to the Kate Buntine’s Children's Trust and to write a “letter of co-operation” to Southern Rural Water within 6 weeks.
“This prosecution is a reminder for irrigators that they must comply at all times with their start and finish times,” said General Manager Water Supply, John Tesoriero. “The decision by Mr Johnston not to shut his wheel at his due time had caused disruption to another customer."
“We rely on customers to do the right thing so that we can deliver all orders when required and to protect each customer’s entitlement in the system.”
Southern Rural Water encourages members of the public to report possible breaches of the Water Act for investigation.
For more information about the use of water for irrigation, water licences and their conditions, please contact Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510.
ENDS.
MEDIA PLEASE NOTE:
For media enquiries please contact Julie Logan
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