Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - July, 2011
The South Australian Government has released a series of internationally peer-revied scientific reports that determine the environmental flow requirements for the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth areas.
State Minister for the River Murray Paul Caica said the reports will be crucial in assisting the State Government determine a response to the forthcoming Murray Darling Basin Authority’s final determination of environmental flow requirements.
“The Environmental Water Requirements of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth reports identify the flow regime needed from the Murray-Darling Basin to maintain the site as a healthy and resilient wetland of international importance,’’ Mr Caica said.
CSIRO leads review into basin plan science
The CSIRO is leading a review into the science underpinning the new Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Environmental flows to be announced
The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is set to announce the findings that will detail how much water must be allocated to the Murray to preserve the health of the water system.
Funding available for Victorian small towns water quality
The fourth round of the Victorian Small Towns Water Quality Fund has been announced with funding of $3.9 million.
COAG Review of the National Water Commission to get underway
The National Water Commission will be reviewed to assess the effectiveness and continuing appropriateness of its roles in promoting water reform objectives and outcomes.
Council splits from water retailer
The Gold Coast City Council has announced it will cease the use of services from its water retailer after a concerted community campaign against rising water prices.
Tasmanian Government releases preferred option for North-East irrigation scheme
The Tasmanian Government has unveiled the preferred option for a $30.8 million irrigation scheme in the State’s North-East.
Victorian small businesses get water efficiency rebates
The Victorian government has introduced new rebates on water efficient products for small businesses as part of its $40 million election commitment to invest $40 million in rebates on water efficient products for homes, gardens and small businesses.
Funding formula rethink for Sunraysia irrigation project
The Sunraysia Irrigation Modernisation Project has failed Commonwealth due diligence and is being reworked in an attempt to satisfy Federal Government requirements.
NSW water utilities Performance Monitoring Report released
The NSW Office of Water has released the Performance Monitoring Report for NSW water utilities for 2009-10, providing an overview of the current status and future water supply and sewerage needs of NSW.
Scrapped Tweed Shire dam back on the table
The New South Wales Government has announced it will review plans for the construction of the Byrrill Creek Dam that were scrapped by the previous state government, which favoured the expansion of the nearby Clarrie Hall Dam.
Melbourne's catchments boom
Melbourne has experienced the largest single weekly gain since September 2010 after posting a .9%, or 17 billion litres, over seven days.
Research links global warming with droughts and floods
Research into how variations in atmospheric and ocean variations contribute to droughts and floods such as those recently experienced across south-east Australia and Queensland has been presented at a workshop hosted by the South Eastern Australian Climate Initiative (SEACI), a three-year, $9 million research program investigating the causes and impacts of climate variability and change throughout south-eastern Australia.
CSIRO to research climate influences on rainfall
CSIRO has awarded a five-year research fellowship to Dr Wenju Cai to head up a new research team to conduct work into better understanding the impact of climate change on Australia, with particular focus on the extremes of flooding and droughts around the country.
Water plan for Alice Springs released
The Northern Territory Government has launched a new $15 million plan, Alice Water Smart, for the management of Alice Springs’ water supplies.
Call for submissions on repeal of NSW water management regulations
The NSW Office of Water has called for submissions on the proposed Water Management (General) Regulation 2011, which will be formed through repeal of the Water Management (General) Regulation 2004 and the Water Management (Water Supply Authorities) Regulation 2004.
NSW acquifer interference regulation and policy open for comment
The NSW Government has introduced an interim aquifer interference regulation to ensure that the State's aquifers are properly protected while a final aquifer interference policy is developed in consultation with the community.
Water and sewerage guidelines for regional NSW utilities released
The NSW Office of Water has released The NSW Water and Sewerage Strategic Business Planning Guidelines assist local water utilities to prepare and implement a strategic business plan and financial plan for water supply and sewerage in accordance with the Best-Practice Management Guidelines.
New body to manage Victoria's environmental water
A new body, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), has been formed to manage Victoria’s environmental water entitlements.
Refilling of Lake Mulwala begins
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority, in conjunction with Goulburn-Murray Water, has announced that the refilling of Lake Mulwala has begun as of July 8.
Additional $38 million announced for Reef Rescue
The Federal Government will invest an additional $38 million in initiatives designed to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.