OVER THE SPILLWAY: Suma Park Dam finally overflows again

Mayor Reg Kidd, Orange City Council’s CEO David Waddell, and Water Manager Wayne Beatty.

As 186 MMS of water flows over the wall of Orange’s Suma Park Dam, much enthusiasm and high spirits were had earlier this week collectively from Orange City Council’s CEO David Waddell, Water Manager Wayne Beatty, and Mayor Reg Kidd – as the signs of recovery have begun after devastating drought.

“We reached the eighty percent mark on 25 June, and then got to ninety percent only two weeks later (11 July),” Cr Reg Kidd said.

“There were predictions that it could take much longer to top the wall, but the ground is so wet anywhere around Orange that we’re reaping the benefit of any run-off.”

“The day that Orange was declared a city 75 years ago was 18 July, and the water started going over the spillway. It’s a great birthday present for Orange,” Reg said joyfully.

“This year reminds me of 2016 when Suma Park was overflowing last. It’s just fantastic, this is making everyone feel better.

The community of Orange has done a fantastic job to bring us to this point. Orange residents lead the country when it comes to low water usage. We wouldn’t be at this point today without the community’s efforts.”