Queensland’s Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has released a new plan for the Baffle Creek Basin area, aiming to distribute more water to users more sustainably.

 

Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Deputy Director-General Debbie Best released the plan, which aims to balance the needs of towns and farms and strengthens environmental protection.

 

“A key element of the plan is the availability of 14,600 megalitres of unallocated water to provide for future growth,” Ms Best said.

 

“The plan also amends existing licences to include volumetric limits and provides for the granting of water licences to take overland flow water, which will help ensure that the area’s water resources are used sustainably.

 

“The resource operations plan implements the basin’s water resource plan and will help to ensure we strike the right balance between the needs of the environment and those of the growing community.”

 

The draft resource operations plan was released in June this year for public comment and submissions were received from several stakeholders including water users and those with environmental interests.

 

Further information on the Baffle Creek Basin Resource Operations Plan is available on the DERM website www.derm.qld.gov.au or by phoning the DERM Bundaberg office on 1800 135 531.