The State Government is reviewing the current Whitsunday Water Plan and proposing to include the Don Basin in the plan (see the map below). You may have received an email requesting feedback on the water plan in general and the inclusion of additional areas.
BGGA will formulate a paper for submission, based on the thoughts of our grower members across the region. The team will be in touch in the coming weeks for your feedback. In the meantime, you can read more and view the questions about the water plan review here.
Water Plans:
- Regulatory tools developed under the Water Act 2000.
- Shorter time frame (approx. 10 years).
- Defines how much water is available, who can use it and ensures end users will be protected.
- Balance the needs of people, the environment, economic growth and long-term sustainability.
- Based on current science and community needs.
- Boundaries are defined by catchment or hydrologic boundaries under the Water Act 2000.
Regional Water Assessments (RWA):
- The Burdekin RWA aims to better understand local water needs, now and in the future; and to identify opportunities to drive economic growth through investment in water.
- Long-term planning projects that explore how to use and manage water to support communities, agriculture, and industry over the next 30 years (forward looking strategic assessments).
- Aim to identify sustainable options to improve water security and drive economic growth.
- Do not make final decisions or allocate water.
- Recommendations will undergo full assessment, consultation, and approval processes before any implementation
- Boundaries based on regional economic and infrastructure considerations.
