Released 15/06/2016
The government’s draft plan for the management of the Territory’s surface water and groundwater resources under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan has been released for community comment, Director-General of the Environment and Planning Directorate, Dorte Ekelund, said today.
“The ACT Water Resource Plan is part of our commitment to the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, which guides the sustainable management and use of the waters of the Basin,” Ms Ekelund said.
“The ACT is one of the first Basin States to prepare a water resource plan in accordance with the Murray–Darling Basin Plan requirements.
“The plan provides an overview of the surface and ground water resources in the ACT and region and the policy approach to water planning and management.
“It sets out the government’s plan for the sustainable management of our water resources, including ensuring water use remains under the sustainable diversion limits set for the ACT, and arrangements for environmental flows and water quality management.
“The plan is particularly important given our increasing population and the environmental challenges expected with climate change, where our rainfall patterns will change.
“As the largest and fastest growing urban area within the Murray–Darling Basin, it is important we outline our approach to ensuring water use remains within sustainable limits, along with the steps to manage our water quality to the highest possible standard.
“The draft Water Resource Plan has been informed by extensive research that built on the current plan and the Water Resources Act, and consultation with stakeholder groups including local Aboriginal organisations, Icon Water, ACT water experts and ACT Government water groups.
“The community is now invited to comment on the draft plan before it is finalised and submitted to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Commonwealth Government Minister for accreditation,” Ms Ekelund said.
The comprehensive water resource plan has been summarised to assist the community in providing comment and is available at www.environment.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
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