COOPER CREEK WATER PLANNING TO BE REVIEWED: BUT NO MORE WATER WILL BE TAKEN

Natural Resource and Water Minister Craig Wallace today announced that the water resource planning arrangements in the Cooper Creek catchment will be reviewed.

However, Mr Wallace said there would be no increase in water taken from the highly sensitive catchment as a result of the review of the Cooper Creek Water Resource Plan.

“The Bligh Government takes its responsibility to protect the Cooper Creek catchment and wider Lake Eyre Basin very seriously,” he said.

“It is a vast and precious ecosystem with most of its critical systems intact.”

The Cooper Creek Water Resource Plan was developed in the late 1990s to protect the unique values of the Cooper Creek system.

It is due for a 10-year review – the second such review to be done in Queensland after a review of the Fitzroy Water Resource Plan commenced last month.

“The review will allow for us to build on the achievements of the existing plan while also ensuring that the revised plan meets the expectations of the community,” Mr Wallace said.

“This is an opportunity to ensure that the water resources of the Cooper Creek basin meet current as well as future needs.”

Throughout the review process, the Bligh Government will seek the community’s views on a range of interests and issues in the catchment.

Issues include climate change and its impact, effects of water planning on the Cooper catchment and wider Lake Eyre basin and impacts of the water plan on the river’s flora and fauna.

According to a recent report, the Lake Eyre Basin, including the Cooper Creek catchment, is in good health.

The State of the Basin 2008: Rivers Assessment Report says the basin is in good health with critical ecosystems intact in the vast region.

“I encourage everyone to have their say on the management of water resources in the Cooper Creek area,” Mr Wallace said.

An information report has been produced to allow people to make an informed submission and is available from the department’s and local government offices. Copies will also be sent out to landholders and stakeholder groups.

The information report is available at http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/cooper.html or by calling (07) 4650 1930.

Public information sessions will also be held to assist people in understanding how the review will be undertaken, and how they can raise their concerns and make suggestions. Dates and locations of the public information sessions will be publicised in the coming weeks.

Media contact: Paul Childs, Minister’s office, 0407 131 654.