Find out about new Great Artesian Basin water resource plan

Published Friday, 02 October, 2015 at 12:38 PM

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Water users throughout Queensland’s Great Artesian Basin can have their say at upcoming public forums to discuss the development of a new water resource plan for the basin.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said the Department of Natural Resources and Mines would host a series of public meetings throughout the basin, starting in Alpha on 7 October.

“These public meetings provide local water users and other basin stakeholders the opportunity to get involved and have their say on key issues fundamental to delivering a new water plan,” Dr Lynham said.

“The current Great Artesian Basin Water Resource Plan 2006 is due to expire on 1 September 2016 so we need to develop a new science-based 10-year plan.

“The new plan will provide a clear vision to sustainably manage one of Queensland’s most important natural resources and support economic growth and jobs in rural and regional Queensland.

“There is increasing demand for water in the basin so it’s important that we take a strategic approach to prevent negative impacts that could compromise other water users and the natural environment.”

“A statement of proposals was released on 7 September detailing key issues relevant to the development of the new plan.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in the Great Artesian Basin to review the statement of proposals, attend the public forum in your local area and lodge a submission,” he said.

For more information:

Submissions on the statement of proposals will close at 5pm on 20 November 2015.

Public meetings to discuss a new Great Artesian Basin Water Resource Plan:

Town

Date

Location

Start Time

Alpha

7 Oct

Alpha Town Hall

Cnr Tennyson and Dryden Streets, Alpha

11am

Longreach

8 Oct

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Conference Room

Landsborough Highway, Longreach

10am

Mundubbera

13 Oct

Mundubbera Bowls Club

1 Seligmann Avenue Mundubbera

7pm

Gatton

15 Oct

DNRM Gatton Office Conference Room

Warrego Highway Gatton

10am

Goondiwindi

19 Oct

Goondiwindi Golden Age Centre

68 Elizabeth Drive, Goondiwindi

1pm

Dalby

20 Oct

Myall Youth and Community Centre - Large Conference Room

Cnr Drayton and Nicholson Streets, Dalby

9am

Roma

21 Oct

Roma Community Arts Centre - Hibernian Hall

38-44 Hawthorne Street, Roma

1pm

Charleville

22 Oct

Charleville RSL Function Room

37 Watson Street, Charleville

11am

Cunnamulla

22 Oct

Cunnamulla Hall Supper Room

49 Stockyard Street, Cunnamulla

6pm

St George

23 Oct

St George RSL

106 Alfred Street, St George

1pm

Windorah

27 Oct

Windorah Information Centre

7 Maryborough Street, Windorah

9am

Birdsville

28 Oct

Birdsville Town Hall

9am

Bedourie

29 Oct

Bedourie Hall

9am

Boulia

29 Oct

Boulia Sports Centre - Burke Street, Boulia

4.30pm

Winton

30 Oct

Winton Town Hall Supper Room

75 Vindex Street, Winton

2.30pm

Normanton

4 Nov

Normanton Shire Hall

9am

Julia Creek

5 Nov

Julia Creek Civic Centre

9am

Hughenden

5 Nov

Diggers Entertainment Centre

21 Brodie Street, Hughenden

3pm

[ENDS]              2 October 2015

Media contact:  Jan Martin 0439 341 314