LOGAN BASIN WATER RESOURCE PLAN TO SECURE FUTURE SUPPLIES

The Queensland Government has announced the release of the finalised Logan Basin Water Resource Plan.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the plan provided for the development of previously announced infrastructure, such as Cedar Grove Weir and Wyaralong Dam, which will support the increasing demand for additional water supplies in South East Queensland.

“The plan will ensure the sustainable management of surface water resources in South East Queensland,” Mr Wallace said.

“Importantly, critical environmental flows throughout the basin have been maintained and entitlements for existing water users have been secured.”

Mr Wallace said the plan also provided for:

·significantly improved security and definition of water user entitlements and environmental flows

·strategic and general reserves of unallocated water for future use in the Logan area which may be released for a range of purposes

·additional allocation for Beaudesert Shire Council, at Canungra township, reflecting historical operations and to make better use of infrastructure

·full utilisation of existing water entitlements

·an improved framework for specifying rural irrigation entitlements including an individual volumetric limit

·trading of water allocations

·integration with the Water Grid and System Operating Plan for SEQ

The plan will be implemented through the development of a Logan Basin Resource Operations Plan.

"A water trading regime will be established in key areas following the plan's implementation, allowing for greater water use efficiency and the creation of growth opportunities from any surplus water," he said.

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

“A report will be prepared which summarises the issues raised during the consultation process and how these issues have been dealt with in finalising the plan.”

The Logan Basin Water Resource Plan is available from the NRW website at: www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/logan.html

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