CALLIOPE WATER PLAN FINALISED

The Queensland Government has released the finalised Calliope River Basin Water Resource Plan (WRP).

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the plan provided a framework through which the available water resources in the Calliope River Basin could be managed.

“This framework for the sustainable management of the catchment’s water resources will allow the needs of its communities to be met,” Mr Wallace said.

The plan includes the Calliope River and its many tributaries, as well as adjacent smaller coastal catchments and applies to all surface water in the area, including water within watercourses and overland flows.

“The plan provides security for existing water entitlements totalling up to 4500 megalitres per year, which is mainly used for irrigation purposes,” Mr Wallace said.

“Interests such as agricultural, fisheries, tourism, cultural and environmental values have been provided for through the final plan.

“It also sets aside a further 5500 megalitres per year to support economic growth in the catchment.”

Mr Wallace said the Calliope WRP had been finalised after widespread public consultation.

A consultation report is now available outlining how issues raised during the consultation process have been dealt with.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) is also preparing a draft Resource Operations Plan for the area which will contain the provisions for implementing the objectives of the water resource plan.

New provisions have also been introduced to manage the taking of overland flow water in the CalliopeRiver Basin. These new provisions replace an existing moratorium.

“Landholders who have overland flow works for stock and domestic water supply purposes will not be affected by these new provisions,” Mr Wallace said.

“Landholders who use overland flow water for other purposes must notify NRW for authorisation of these works by 15 December 2007.

“This means existing works capturing and storing overland flow will be unaffected, providing the works were legally constructed and, where necessary, are notified.”

Any water pumps or infrastructure such as dams or diversion banks which divert or store water are considered to be overland flow works.

“Other new works for taking overland flow, for irrigation and other purposes, will require an authorisation to take overland flow and will need to adhere to an assessment code, available from the department,” Mr Wallace said.

Landholders in the CalliopeRiver Basin will soon receive a letter detailing these new provisions.

Copies of the Calliope River Basin Water Resource Plan and Consultation Report are available from your local NRW office, or on the website at http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/calliope.html

Information sheets, notification kits and codes for overland flow works are available from NRW offices or at

http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/management/overlandflow.html.

For further information free call 1800 822 100.

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