Concerns reservoir break-ins will lead to drownings
THE Barnes Park Recycled Water Reservoir has been broken into at least six times in the past four months and the Southern Downs Regional Council are worried someone is going to end up drowning.
Wastewater Treatment Supervisor David Neal said the council had advised the police about the break-ins and informed them that people were bouncing on the mesh across the top of the reservoir.
"This is extremely dangerous and council is concerned a Christmas tragedy could occur," he said.
"If someone falls through the mesh they may not be able to get out again or they could injure themselves breaking in."
The council increased security measures around the reservoir when the break-ins started.
"We have doubled signage around the site warning no entry, we have placed a steel rail under the fence to prevent people digging under and we have installed extra barbed wire at the top of the fence to stop people climbing over," Mr Neal said.
"The security contractor also visits three times per night.
"But it seems even all of these measures are not making a difference.
"We are really concerned about what might happen and we urge people to stay away."
If you see suspicious behaviour near the reservoir phone the police on 131 444 or the council on 1300 697 372.
