Preliminary public consultation notice

Preliminary public consultation notice – Replacement of the Water Plan (Burnett Basin) 2014 – s44 of the Water Act 2000

(Notice as pdf: Preliminary public consultation notice – Replacement of the Water Plan (Burnett Basin) 2014 – s44 of the Water Act 2000 (PDF, 156.0KB))

1. Proposal to replace the Water Plan (Burnett Basin) 2014

Notice is given under section 44 of the Water Act 2000 that the Minister for Water proposes to replace the Water Plan (Burnett Basin) 2014 (the plan).

The plan is due to expire on 1 September 2024. To allow for plan development, the Minister for Water may exercise powers under section 55 of the Water Act 2000 to postpone the expiry of the plan.

2. Water to which the water plan will apply

It is proposed that the replacement plan will continue to apply to the following water in the plan area:

3. Reason for preparing the replacement water plan

The existing plan is due to expire on 1 September 2024. Assessments indicate the implementation of the plan has been effective in achieving many of the plan outcomes. However, to ensure the plan can continue to advance the sustainable management of water resources in the plan area, the following matters need to be considered:

  • effectiveness of outcomes, measures, strategies and performance indicators
  • current and emerging interests of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to water resources in the plan area
  • incorporating best-available science, including consideration of climate change on water availability and environmental water needs
  • future water supply requirements to achieve regional water security
  • related outcomes of the Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment
  • unallocated water reserves
  • effectiveness of underground water management
  • effectiveness of water sharing and water trading rules
  • effectiveness of environmental management rules
  • effectiveness of overland flow management
  • where necessary amendment of unsupplemented water entitlements to state a volume, rate of take, and purpose
  • converting water licences and interim water allocations to water allocations in the Bundaberg region
  • converting interim water allocations to water allocations in the Three Moon Creek Water Supply Scheme
  • where necessary establish contemporary statutory instruments for Water Supply Schemes
  • requirements under the Human Rights Act 2019.

To address these matters, I propose to prepare a replacement plan. It is also proposed that key documents which implement the plan, including the Water Management Protocol, Water Entitlement Notice, Resource Operations Licences and Operations Manuals, will be developed, or amended as necessary as part of the plan replacement process.

4. Proposed arrangements for consultation

Submissions are now being sought. I encourage anyone with an interest in the plan area to consider putting forward their thoughts on water management in the plan area through a submission.

Submissions received and engagement with key stakeholders including water users, water supply scheme operators, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other interest groups will inform the development of the draft replacement plan.

There will be further opportunity for consultation through a public submissions process and meetings with key stakeholders following the release of the draft replacement plan.

5. Enquiries and submission process

For further information or to make a submission on water planning aspects within the Burnett Basin, please use the following:

  • Email WaterPlanning.Burnett@rdmw.qld.gov.au
  • Telephone 1800 135 531
  • or by post to
    Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
    Chief Executive
    Water Planning and Science South Region
    Attention: Senior Water Officer
    PO Box 1167
    Bundaberg QLD 4670

Submissions will close on 28 June 2024.

Dated this 18 April 2024.

The Hon. Mr Glenn Butcher MP
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water

Hamish Butler
Executive Director – South Region (as the Chief Executive’s delegate)

Last updated: 18 Apr 2024