NEW ERA IN WATER PLANNING FOR FITZROY BASIN

The water resource management arrangements in the Fitzroy Basin are under review.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the 10 year review of the Fitzroy Basin Water Resource Plan was the first such review to be undertaken in Queensland.

“The Bligh Government does careful planning for the future, especially with our precious water resources,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Fitzroy Basin Water Resource Plan was initially developed in 1999. Like all water resource plans, it was for a 10-year period so it is now necessary that a full review be undertaken,’’ he said.

“The plan currently provides for the sustainable management of surface water resources in the Fitzroy Basin. The review allows us to build on the achievements of the last nine years and to also ensure the revised plan meets the ongoing expectations of the community.”

The Fitzroy Water Resource Plan was the first of 20 water resource plans finalised in Queensland in the last nine years. Plans have a statutory 10 year life and replacement plans must be finalised prior to expiry of the existing plans. The Fitzroy Basin water resource plan is approaching its expiry date and a replacement plan must be prepared.

“The department will seek the community’s input on a range of issues in the catchment so I encourage people to make their views on the management of water resources in the Fitzroy Basin heard,’’ Mr Wallace said.

An information report to assist interested persons is available from the department’s offices. Public information sessions will be held to assist people understand how the review will be undertaken.

“The water resource planning process involves extensive input from local water users, community representatives and catchment groups,” he said.

The Department will also seek nominations for a community reference panel to help refine management options. The panel’s role is to advise government on the issues the plan should address, and to consider community concerns.

The Information Report is at: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/fitzroy.html or by telephoning 1800 822 100.

Dates of the public information sessions will be published in a public notice in a number of local newspapers.

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