The Department of Water has developed the Kimberley regional water plan: Strategic directions and actions 2010–2030 with input from the regional community and stakeholders and has now been released for public comment.
Water is a defining feature of the Kimberley landscape, is vital to the region’s socio-cultural character and a critical natural resource supporting agriculture and a range of industries.
Planning for the future sustainable use of water in the region and the protection of water-dependent values is a priority for the Department of Water. The Kimberley regional water plan has been developed to guide the management of water resources for the next 20 years.
The purpose of the regional water plan?
The plan provides a strategic vision and approach to guide the sustainable management of the region’s water resources and water services to 2030. It is part of Western Australia’s comprehensive water resource planning framework.
The Plan has been written to:
- provide a clear Department of Water position on strategic issues in the Kimberley, having considered a broad range of stakeholder input
- help prioritise the work of the department and other relevant organisations where appropriate, and to resolve some of the strategic issues
- consult with the community and other interested parties on these two points before the Plan is finalised.
Specifically, the Plan:
- sets a vision for water policy, planning and management
- examines broad social, economic, cultural and environmental characteristics that will influence future water management
- assesses the region’s likely water availability and future water demands
- engages regional stakeholder groups to determine priority actions to improve water resource and water service management
- identifies and sets out strategic policy and position statements on key issues.
Kimberley regional plan boundary
Have your say
The Department of Water recognises that stakeholder input and support is essential to the success of the plan. Please take this opportunity to have your say.
It would be helpful, when making your comments to use the submission template available here. All submissions will be considered in finalising the plan and a statement of response will be issued.
The draft plan is available for public comment from 6 December 2010 until 28 February 2011. This is longer than the customary 8 week consultation period to make allowance for the Christmas break.
Further information
For a copy of the plan or for further information email: Kimberleyregionalplan@water.wa.gov.au or contact the Kimberley regional office on 9166 4100.