WHITSUNDAY WATER PLAN INFORMATION SESSIONS

Landowners and residents have the opportunity to find out the latest information on the draft Whitsunday Water Resource Plan with information sessions taking place this month.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace and Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt announced the draft water resource plan for the Whitsunday region on 2 September 2008 in Proserpine.

Minister Wallace said the draft Whitsunday Water Resource Plan aims to secure existing water supplies and provide for growth by introducing water trading to drive efficiency and innovation.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said that the draft plan was developed in close consultation with the community and she encouraged residents to comment prior to finalisation.

"I encourage all members of the Whitsunday community to take a look at the draft and have a say on the final plan through the submissions process, which closes on 27 October 2008," Ms Jarratt said.

Minister Wallace said the draft Whitsunday Water Resource Plan addressed surface water, including overland flows, and groundwater in an area that includes the catchments of the Proserpine, O’Connell and Andromache Rivers, and Thompson Creek.

Minister Wallace said the department was holding information sessions where Department of Natural Resources and Water staff will detail the draft plan and the associated submission process.

"I encourage all members of the Whitsunday community to come along to the meetings and contribute to the final plan through the submissions process.’’

Information sessions for the draft Whitsunday Water Resource Plan will take place at the following:

* Proserpine RSL - Wednesday, 17 September, 5pm-7pm;

* Bloomsbury Community Centre - Thursday, 18 September, 11am-1pm.

Further information on the draft Whitsunday Water Resource Plan is available at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/whitsunday

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.