AMENDMENT TO IMPROVE GROUNDWATER SECURITY

A draft amendment to the Burnett Basin Water Resource Plan has been released this week for public comment.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the draft amendment included provisions for addressing seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers while improving security for groundwater users.

“The draft amendment allows for authorised groundwater uses in the Coastal Burnett Groundwater Management Area to be replaced with tradable water allocations,” Mr Wallace said.

“At the same time, the hydrologic assessments that support the planning process indicate the needs of many freshwater and marine ecological assets can be met.

“While the effects of seawater intrusion on water quality are most pronounced close to the coast, more distant parts of the aquifers will eventually be affected unless we act now.

“To achieve these goals, the draft plan does not provide for additional groundwater to be made available, although trading, including the possible relocation of surface water through provisions of the existing plan, have the potential to support dynamic growth over the longer term.”

Mr Wallace said when integrated with the existing Burnett Basin Water Resource Plan, the amendment provisions provided a solid foundation for improved ‘single resource planning’.

The draft amendment is open for public comment until 5pm on Friday 9 March 2007.

Details on the amendment and how to make a submission are available on the NRW website at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/burnett or by calling 1800 135 531.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water will be holding public information sessions on the draft amendment.

·Wednesday 31 January 2007, 7.00pm, Multi-Purpose Room, Department of Natural Resources and Water, 16-32 Enterprise St Bundaberg

·Thursday 1 February, 7.00pm, Meeting Room, Isis Canegrowers, 48 Churchill St Childers

All are welcome.

Minister’s office: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office 3896 3689 or 0407 131 654.