Public notice - preliminary consultation
Preliminary public consultation notice – Proposed replacement of the Water Plan (Georgina and Diamantina) 2004 – s44 of the Water Act 2000
1. Proposal to replace the Water Plan (Georgina and Diamantina) 2004
Notice is given under section 44 of the Water Act 2000 (the Act) that the Minister for Water proposes to replace the Water Plan (Georgina and Diamantina) 2004 (the water plan).
To allow for plan development, the Minister for Water may exercise powers under section 55 of the Act to postpone the expiry of the water plan.
2. Water to which the plan will apply
It is proposed that the replacement plan will continue to apply to the following water in the plan area:
- Surface water
- Overland flow water, other than water in springs managed by the Water Plan (Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers) 2017 (GABORA water plan).
- Hydraulically-linked groundwater (also called underground water) not connected to water managed by the GABORA water plan.
It is proposed that the replacement plan will apply to all underground water that is not managed by the GABORA water plan.
3. Reason for preparing the replacement plan
The plan is due to expire on 5 August 2024 and must be replaced with a new plan to continue to advance the sustainable management of water resources in the plan area. Assessments indicate that the implementation of the plan has been effective in achieving its outcomes and advancing the sustainable management of water. Water use, authorisations, non-compliance and risks to the current water plan remain consistent with that reported in the 2019 Minister’s performance assessment report (PDF, 1.2MB).
To ensure the plan continues to be effective, the following matters need to be considered in developing the new plan:
- the plan outcomes and strategies
- unallocated water reserves to meet future water demands and to support economic growth, town water supply and cultural values
- effectiveness of underground water management including underground water managed by the Water Regulation 2016 (does not include water managed by GABORA water plan)
- effectiveness of overland flow management
- water requirements of existing water users and the environment, including downstream water users in South Australia in accordance with the requirements of the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB) intergovernmental agreement.
- consistency with other legislation and policy such as the LEB intergovernmental agreement and the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014
- the need to incorporate best-available science and information
- the effect of climate change on water availability
- current and emerging interests of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to water resources in the plan area
- future monitoring and assessment arrangements to ensure the plan and its implementation continue to be effective
- requirements under the Human Rights Act 2019.
In preparing a replacement plan, I propose to address these issues. Key documents that implement the plan will also be developed or amended as necessary.
4. Proposed arrangements for consultation
Submissions are now being sought. I encourage anyone with an interest in the plan area to put forward their thoughts on water management in the plan area through a submission.
Submissions received and consultation with key stakeholders including water users, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other interest groups will inform the development of the draft replacement water plan.
There will be further opportunities for consultation through a public submissions process and meetings with key stakeholders following the release of the draft replacement water plan.
5. Enquiries and submission process
For further information or to make a submission on water planning aspects within the plan area, please use the following:
- Email NorthWPS@rdmw.qld.gov.au
- Telephone 1800 822 100
- Or by post to
Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
Chief Executive
Water Planning and Science North Region
Attention: Georgina and Diamantina Water Planning Coordinator
PO Box 304
Longreach QLD 4730
Submissions will close on Friday 16th August 2024.
Dated 24 April 2024
The Hon. Mr Glenn Butcher MP
Minister for Water
Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma
Executive Director ‑ North Region, Water Resource Management (as the Chief Executive’s delegate)
Last updated: 29 Apr 2024