WATER ALLOCATION PLANS
What are Water Allocation Plans?
A water allocation plan outlines how a particular water body (e.g. a river and/or an aquifer) is to be managed. After consulting both community and technical groups, a framework for sharing water between human and environmental needs has been established. It sets limits to the water that is available for each beneficial use. A Water Allocation Plan provides a blueprint for future sustainability and includes:
- the basis for water allocation planning, climate changes and formulas used to determine water allocations;
- rules for the assessment of licences to take water;
- limits to the availability of water;
- rules for adjusting water licences during times of severe climate variability;
- rules for managing water licences;
- rules for water trading;
- mandatory conditions for licences and permits issued under the Water Act; and
- monitoring programs to evaluate the performance of the plan and to inform a review.
When finalised, a water allocation plan has a maximum life of ten years and a maximum review period of five years. The review would draw on past experience and knowledge coupled with the outcomes of the monitoring program to establish how the plan may change and evolve to meet the needs of the future.
What are some of the Benefits of the Water Allocation Planning Process?
Some benefits of this process include:
- a plan that is developed after talking to all affected parties that will protect environmental and human interests;
- secure water extraction licences for the duration of the water allocation plan;
- an assurance that licences to extract water will not be issued if they are deemed to have an unacceptable impact on other beneficial uses, especially the environment;
- establishment of a basis for the permanent trade of water from one user to another subject to various rules;
- protection of water related cultural values within the region;
- protection of water dependent ecosystems within the region; and
- documented agricultural development plans for each property in the planning area.
How do Water Allocation Plans impact development of the Katherine Region?
- Agricultural development enhanced for the first 10 year planning period;
- Increased security for agricultural operations;
- Increased protection of environmental and cultural assets;
- Increased monitoring to ensure the benefits described above; and
- Guidance for future development possibilities
Water Allocation Plans are impacted by Planning Scheme zonings, therefore any change in an existing zoning will impact on the applicable Water Allocation Plan.