The Western Australian Government has launched an allocation plan it says will deliver significant water efficiency gains for the Middle Canning River while supporting existing use and maintaining its ecological values.

  

The Middle Canning River surface water allocation describes how the Department of Water plans to manage river water use and the release of water into the river during the summer months.

  

“Summer releases of scheme water into the Canning River allow for enough flow to maintain the river’s important ecological and social values and also provide for licensed and some domestic water use,” State Water Minister Bill Marmion said.

 

“The plan responds to the impacts of changing land use, reduced rainfall and declining streamflow by providing comprehensive release rules to ensure the efficient release of scheme water into the river.”

 

The plan also sets out how adjusting river take volumes can help to protect the environmental and social values of the Middle Canning. The allocation limit has been reduced to 650,000 kL, an amount 10 per cent below current water use volumes.

 

“The plan will help promote greater efficiency and provides for evaluation and review of the allocation limit to ensure it continues to supports the plan’s objectives,” the Minister said.

 

“The plan was developed over a period of extensive engagement with licensees, river and land care groups and the Water Corporation. These stakeholders have all provided valuable input to the plan and their continued involvement in broader river and land management will support the plan’s success.”

 

The plan is available at http://www.water.wa.gov.au