Published name
Confirm that you have read and understand this declaration.
To start, we'd like your views on water management in Australia.
Question 1:
Having agreed national objectives, outcomes and principles on water is important for managing Australia’s water resources.
Question 2:
Is there anything you would add, change or remove in the principles that deal with climate change? Please give a reason for your response.
6.1 – Water planning and management processes. Please consider adding content regarding the potential in some areas that water levels may increase due to urbanisation from intensive agricultural areas, leading to more runoff to waterways, altered hydrological regimes and higher groundwater tables.
6.3.3 – Water planning and management, setting options to manage risks associated with extreme scenarios, including clear roles and responsibilities for actions. It is suggested to also include triggers for action in water plans.
Question 3:
Is there anything you would like to add, change or remove in the principles that deal with urban water reform? Please give a reason for your response.
No as they seem sufficient.
Question 4:
Is there anything you would add, change or remove in the principles that deal with science, knowledge and partnerships? Please give a reason for your response.
3.12 – Removing barriers for improved management and ownership by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Consideration could be given to expanding this principle to include developing Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserves.
6.15 – Water Plans. It is suggested to consider areas where there is a demand for access to water, but there is currently no science to inform a plan or allocation limit. It is suggested that consideration is given to this issue, where groundwater resources are the only feasible local water source, however no studies or allocation plans currently exist for the area, making it difficult to licence groundwater abstraction and to ensure enough water is maintained for cultural and environmental purposes.
Question 5:
Considering the draft principles as a whole, do you agree the draft principles are sufficient to support the achievement of the outcomes and objectives?
Question 6:
With regard to the principles, are there any gaps or changes required?
See points above
Question 7:
If you would like to provide any other feedback on the principles included in the discussion paper, please do so here.
The principles can be read in full in the discussion paper.
N/A
Question 8:
Overall, the principles will be helpful in achieving the objectives of a new national agreement on water and enable better management of Australia’s water resources
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