Rangers two western NSW centres will now be using body cameras to record evidence of those who are not complying with water restrictions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo Regional Council is "bringing out the big stick" on water restrictions to cut the city's water usage.
Council chief executive officer Michael McMahon said between 30 to 40 warnings had already been issued for those not complying with restrictions and some of those had been for repeat offenders.
"We've given out one or two warnings to people and if we catch them again they'll be fined. I don't like applying the stick but the majority of people out there who are doing the right things should be rewarded, the people who are doing the wrong thing should be challenged," he said.
The cameras will be used by the six rangers to gather evidence of water restriction breaches.
Mr McMahon said if the fines weren't paid and the issue went to court, the footage would be used to prove the wrongdoing.
Ranger Rob Dario said he believed the cameras would be good for both the rangers and the community.
"They'll maintain safety for some of our staff and when we get into situations where the decision is questioned I think they'll work pretty well," he said.
"I think the cameras will make people think about what they're saying and their actions. It will slow them down a little bit."
Mr Dario said the majority of people he dealt with in Dubbo were good but there were often situations that quickly escalated.
In that situation, the person will be given a verbal warning saying their voice and image will be recorded and it can be used in evidence.
The footage will be stored for two months.
Mr McMahon said residents were now fully aware of the water restriction requirements and so now was the right time for the fines to start being issued.
He said there were situations where it was "obvious" people were using more water than they should be.
As well as the council rangers, selected council staff will also be able to issue on-the-spot fines.
Council data shows that on average residents are well above the 280 litres per person of water that should be used per day.
Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said council was "going to have to start bringing out the big stick".