Have a say on the Baffle Creek Basin Water Plan extension

Successful water management in the Baffle Creek Basin catchment area has prompted a proposed nine-year extension of the water plan but not before locals have their say.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said local water users and other interested parties now have an opportunity to comment a proposed nine-year extension of the Baffle Creek Basin Water Plan.                                                                        

“As part of the proposed extension we are seeking feedback from communities and industry in the Baffle Creek Basin catchment - from the people who know best about their water,” Dr Lynham said.

“The Baffle Creek Basin plan area includes the catchments of Littabella, Baffle, Broadwater, Eurimbula and Worthington creeks.”

The proposal to extend the plan follows an assessment of the plan’s effectiveness in the publicly available report.

Dr Lynham said while it was great news to see the implementation of the water plan delivering outcomes for local farmers and irrigators, it was important the public also had an opportunity to make submissions.

“This plan has successfully supported water use for dairying, fodder, plantations and horticulture throughout the region and continues to nurture growth in these industries by providing access to unallocated water reserves,” Dr Lynham said.

“Under the current arrangements, the Baffle Creek Basin Water Plan was due to expire on 1 September 2021 but as a result of its success and feedback from the community, we are proposing the extension.

“It is important to note we can’t and won’t be complacent, any extension will not hinder the government from reviewing or amending the plan at any time in the future should circumstances change.”

“My department will continue to monitor the ongoing health and supply of water in the Baffle Creek Basin area. Effective management of the region’s water is vital to agricultural development and the environment.

For further information visit DNRME’s website. Feedback on the extension also can be provided via the website and can be submitted until 29 March 2019.

Media enquiries: David Potter 0428 411 617