LATEST CENTRAL QLD WATER STATISTICS NOW ON LINE

Water Minister Craig Wallace today announced that up-to-the-hour water monitoring information is now available to Queenslanders via the internet.

Minister Wallace said the Department of Natural Resources and Water’s (NRW) website had been upgraded to allow public access to latest statistics on water monitoring.

The department operates a statewide monitoring network of approximately 400 monitoring stations to collect, manage and deliver data on the quantity and quality of freshwater in Queensland’s streams and aquifers.

"The data from most of these stations can be remotely accessed via telemetry systems and includes stream height, flow and water quality information.

"For example, the Fitzroy River has had 3,300 megalitres through the stream gauging station at The Gap over a 24 hour period on January 15, 2008. Whereas, on January 2 this year almost 21,000 megalitres passed through the same gauging station after the region experienced good rainfall.

"The Pioneer River has had 26,000 megalitres of flows at the Mirani Weir over a 24 hour period on January 15. This compares with 4,500 megalitres just one day earlier on Monday January 14.

"Those users wishing to access this data can search by region, catchment, stream or water resource plan.

"Local governments, regional management bodies, agricultural groups, service providers and the public have been seeking greater access to water monitoring data," Mr Wallace said.

"This new on-line service delivers on this request."

The data can be found at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/monitoring/current_data