The Northern Territory Government has released the drafts of the Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan and the Great Artesian Basement Water Allocation Plan for public comment.

Territory Minister for Land Resource Management, Willem Westra van Holthe, said that the updated plans better reflect the understanding of the Territory’s water resources and sets out a direction for future water resource management, planning, development and use in sustainable limits.

“The Government is acting to ensure long term sustainable water use in the Great Artesian Basin Water Control District and the Alice Springs Basin Water Control District,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.

“The draft water allocation plans take into consideration community needs, environmental and cultural requirements and sustainable agricultural and other economic development.

“So far, the review has involved consultation with local and community stakeholders; the draft plans are open for public comment for a period of 4 weeks.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in water planning in these areas to offer comment on these drafts, particularly locals.

Copies of the drafts water allocation plans are available at:

www.nt.gov.au/gabwap

http://www.nt.gov.au/alicewaterplan