We wrote about water restrictions for most of the year after they were introduced in Armidale for the first time since the 1970s.

Fortunately rain fell earlier this year, which came in time for the increase in water use when the pandemic arrived.

But the issue has not gone away.

Despite the good rainfall this year, Armidale Regional Council says the water supply has not recovered to its previous level.

The council has now got a webpage where residents can compare water usage and dam storage levels dating back to pre-drought conditions to help in our ongoing water conservation efforts.

Speaking of water, with the weather starting to warm up the swimming pools in our region have started to open.

Uralla was the latest to announce when it will open with a COVID safe plan in place.

Meanwhile, the University of New England hosted the biggest political event on its calendar last week when Shadow Minister for Health MP Chris Bowen presented the 36th Earle Page Political Lecture to a room filled to the capacity allowed under restrictions.

There's that word again. Restrictions!

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week.