MEMBERS of the public are invited to comment on a new draft water plan for the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) at a number of public information sessions across the state.
The original water plan that set out how water would be managed in the GAB was established back in 2006 but will expire on September 1, 2017.
The Palaszczuk Government’s new draft water plan has a number of proposed changes including measures for controlling inefficient use of GAB water, changes to aquifers managed under the plan and amendments to rules for water licence relocation.
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said the draft plan aimed to safeguard the water supply for current and future users and protect groundwater flows to springs and watercourses.
Meetings will be held across Queensland during February and March including:
- Bauhinia Community Hall, Bauhinia from 11am on March 1
- Injune Bowls Club, Injune from 9am on March 2
- Mundubbera Bowls Club, Mundubbera from 2pm on March 2
- Explorers Inn, Roma from 2pm on March 2
- Cunnamulla Town Hall, Cunnamulla from 9am on March 8
- Bedourie Community Centre, Bedourie from 9am on March 9
- Diggers Entertainment Centre Meeting Room, Hughenden from 9am on March 14
- RedEarth Hotel, Mt Isa from 9am on March 16
Written submissions close April 17 at 5pm with forms and more information is available online from www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/water/catchments-planning/catchments/great-artesian-basin
Lucy Kinbacher
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
