Mary Basin water plan review deadline extended

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the extension came following feedback that some in the community were still hoping to make a submission.

“We have heard concerns from farmers and irrigators. We know that sometimes submissions can be time-consuming and require some supporting documentation, which also takes time to assemble,” he said.

“This will mean the submissions window has been open for 12 weeks – the longest period of any water plan review – which means everyone should have had plenty of time to make their submission,” he said.

The draft Mary Basin water plan is proposing to modernise entitlements by converting area-based water entitlements to volumetric entitlements.

The Mary Basin water plan (2006) will expire in May 2024 and must be replaced before this time. The review process began in May 2021.

Water plans are reviewed to incorporate the best available science which improves our understanding and knowledge of water management. As this occurs we update the tools we use to measure and manage water to ensure we are managing water as sustainably and as efficiently as possible.

Factors that are considered in water plans include:

• climate change science
• cultural values
• population growth
• social and economic demands
• ecological assets

Farmers who believe the proposed amendments to their water licences are less than their historic use are encouraged to make a submission to the department, via the website or by calling 1800 135 531.

The submission should include evidence which support this claim. This will be reviewed by the department, on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of preserving existing entitlements.

-ENDS-

Contact DRDMW Media Unit:

E: media@rdmw.qld.gov.au
M: 0457 228 028