New plan to manage Baffle Creek Basin's water resources and provide water for future growth
5 December 2011
Water resources in the Baffle Creek Basin will be managed more sustainably and water users will have access to more water under the new Baffle Creek Basin Resource Operations Plan.
Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Deputy Director-General Debbie Best today released the plan, which balances the needs of towns and farms and strengthens environmental protection.
“A key element of the plan is the availability of 14,600 megalitres of unallocated water to provide for future growth,” Ms Best said.
“The plan also amends existing licences to include volumetric limits and provides for the granting of water licences to take overland flow water, which will help ensure that the area’s water resources are used sustainably.
“There will be ongoing monitoring to determine the success of water resource planning in the catchment.
“The resource operations plan implements the basin’s water resource plan and will help to ensure we strike the right balance between the needs of the environment and those of the growing community.”
The draft resource operations plan was released in June this year for public comment and submissions were received from several stakeholders including water users and those with environmental interests.
“Feedback received from the stakeholders and the community during the consultation period was crucial to the development of the final plan,” Ms Best said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the water planning process in the Baffle Creek Basin.
“Your input will help ensure the long-term success of this plan.”
Further information on the Baffle Creek Basin Resource Operations Plan is available on the DERM website www.derm.qld.gov.au or by phoning the DERM Bundaberg office on 1800 135 531.
Last updated 5 December 2011