The Newlyn Reservoir Action Group (NRAG) has called on the state Planning Minister, the Hon John Thwaites, to immediately announce his decision on the Central Highlands Water applications for planning permits to provide the township of Clunes with groundwater for its domestic water supply.

NRAG is seeking an improvement in the quality of water presently supplied to the townships of Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount from the Forest Hill groundwater system and Central Highlands Water has already allocated $500,000 for the upgrade.

Groundwater drawn from Forest Hill is very hard and has a high salt content, which causes extensive damage to household and commercial appliances due to the corrosive effect of the water.

NRAG Chairman, Roger Richardson said "The failure of the Planning Minister to announce his decision on the Clunes groundwater planning permits appears to be delaying a response from Central Highlands Water with regard to quality water improvement in the Forest Hill System".

"The Planning Minister should refuse the Clunes groundwater planning permits, then Central Highlands Water should get on with the job of upgrading the Newlyn Reservoir by installing a water treatment plant and using this surface water for the reticulated domestic supplies to Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston, Newlyn, Smeaton, Springmount and Clunes".