Border Rivers water plan released for public comment

A significant step in ensuring the future sustainable allocation and management of water resources in the Border Rivers area was announced today by Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace.

Mr Wallace today released for public comment the draft amendment to the Water (Border Rivers) Resource Plan 2003 for surface water for the Border Rivers.

“The amendment provides for compatible interstate water trading between Queensland and New South Wales, along the Border Rivers,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said water would be able to be moved up and down the rivers that form the border between the two states.

“Water users in Queensland will soon be able to buy water from New South Wales water entitlement holders and visa-versa.

“The amendment will not compromise the original plan’s intent, which is to provide for secure water entitlements and provide for environmental flows to maintain river health.

Once comments have been received and assessed, the Department of Natural Resources and Water will release the draft resource operations plan.

Mr Wallace said the draft resource operations plan would have the provisions to convert many existing entitlements to tradable water allocations.

“Water allocation holders will be able to buy, sell, or lease water within the rules specified in the draft resource operations plan to best fit their own farming plans and future aspirations.”

Comments on the draft amendment plan will be accepted until 12 December 2006.

The draft plan is available at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/border.html or by contacting 4688 1011.

Media contact: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, 0407 131 654.