The issue of the Forde development drawing irrigation water from Yerrabi Pond has been raised by some concerned residents. This issue received substantial coverage by the Chronicle last year when Forde first installed their pump on the shore of the lake, and GCC pursued the issue with Environment and Conservation staff, gaining explanations of the governing conditions that we were satisfied would cover off residents' concerns for the well-being of the lake.

Forde's Dion Warnock has provided the following explanation:

Enhanced and usable public areas within Forde have been designed to improve social interaction and support the push for an active and healthy lifestyle for all Canberrans. All parks and open space within the community are linked to allow ecological values to flow through the site, further enhancing the surrounding areas and playing a major role in integrating Gungahlin with Mulligan's Flat. Once complete, Forde's entire public open space will be handed over to the ACT Government.

In order to create these spaces for the whole community to enjoy, Forde began drawing stormwater from the Yerrabi Pond for irrigation in January 2007. Permission to use this water was granted by the ACT Government.

From day one, we implemented a number of measures to ensure we use water within the community is used in a sustainable way. These initiatives include:

• The installation of depth cut off switches to ensure Yerrabi Pond stays at the approved level
• The installation of a pumping station beside Yerrabi Pond which is used to facilitate watering of the landscape around Yerrabi Pond (as well as in Forde) to further enhance the area
• The entire Forde water catchment flows through the two ponds in Forde then into Yerrabi Pond

To date, Forde water usage has had a negligible effect on the water levels at Yerrabi Pond compared to the effects of natural losses.

We continue to be mindful of the current drought conditions and will continue to act responsibly in minimising irrigation. We are also aware of the need to preserve certain existing landscaping rather than allow it to perish and then re-established at considerable cost and water use at a later date.

I trust this information demonstrates that we are using the surface water allocation responsibly and with a range of long-term sustainability objectives in mind.

It should also be acknowledged that irrigation with untreated stormwater is far more preferable to using treated potable water, with all the extra expense (and greenhouse emissions) that involves. As long as the lake levels are closely monitored, there should be no issue.