BOWEN WATER MORATORIUM LIFTED

The State Government has lifted the moratorium on new licences to take surface and subartesian water in the Bowen Subartesian Area.

The decision coincides with the release of the Water Management Policy for the Bowen Subartesian Area which will provide a framework for the sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources in the area.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the moratorium had enabled the government to undertake a thorough review of water resource management whilst preventing further deterioration of the subartesian water system.

“I am pleased to be the bearer of good news for the Bowen district irrigators,” Mr Wallace said.

“It will be good news in particular for those farmers in the Bowen Subartesian Area who are seeking to take part in the proposed seasonal water assignment system.

"The previous water management policy for the area was introduced in 1993 so it desperately needed review, particularly after a run of drier than usual wet seasons and an increase in industry, irrigation and urban demand for water," Mr Wallace said.

“There were also concerns that there was a risk of increased saltwater intrusion and water quality degradation in parts of the aquifer system.

“These concerns led to the declaration of a moratorium in March 2005.

"Water users and the community in general were supportive of the need for the moratorium, and instrumental in the formulation of the new policy."

Mr Wallace said a Water Advisory Group had been established to provide extensive community consultation throughout the course of the review and beyond.

"The group provided advice during the entire process, including substantial feedback during the formulation of the draft policy," he said.

"As a result, the draft itself was indicative of what the community wanted and when it was released for public comment in December, 80% of the submissions we received were supportive.”

Mr Wallace said a number of crucial facts emerged during the review process, and these were reflected in the new policy.

"One of the most important points is that the system as a whole is currently fully committed," he said.

"This is why no new surface water or subartesian water will be allocated in the more intensely developed zones with the possible exception of water in the outer zone.

"The department is also considering the introduction of seasonal water assignments to allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in managing existing subartesian water supplies.”

Mr Wallace said a key aspect of the policy is the simplification of the system of aquifer management zones.

“The policy, which applies to both subartesian water and surface water in the designated area, is designed to protect the security of existing entitlement holders and their enterprises which depend on the resource, while addressing the need to protect the quality and long term availability of this valuable resource.”

Further information on the Water Management Policy for the Bowen Subartesian Area is available from your nearest NRW Customer Service Centre, or at the department's website: www.nrw.qld.gov.au

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