Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - November, 2011
The Federal Government has formed a Commonwealth Environmental Water Office as a distinct entity within the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to improve accountability and stakeholder engagement in environmental water management.
The formation of the Office was announced as part of its official response to the Standing Committee on Regional Australia’s report Of Drought and Flooding Rains: Inquiry into the impact of the Guide to the Murray Darling Basin Plan in Regional Australia.
The Committee was was tasked with conducting an eight-month long inquiry, ultimately producing the Guide and estimated effects on the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Victorian Ombudsman publishes water report
The Victorian Ombudsman has published a report into the previous government’s Our Water Our Future – The Next Stage of the Government’s Water Plan, a $2 billion foodbowl initiative aimed at promoting water savings and productivity gains through infrastructure modernisation.
Government announces Murray-Darling Diversification Project
The Federal Government has announced the formation a new Murray-Darling Basin Diversification Project aimed at promoting economic opportunities for communities affected by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Basin Plan.
WA moves to drought-proof Perth
The Western Australian Government has announced a 10-year plan aimed at drought-proofing Perth, with the state owned Water Corporation announcing a $500 million spend over the next 10 years under the Water Forever - Whatever the Weather plan.
SA launches Murray-Darling Basin Plan taskforce
The South Australian Government has announced the formation of a new taskforce to co-ordinate the state’s response to the draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
MDBA releases draft plan
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released its draft Basin Plan, starting off a 20 week consultation period that will examine and tweak the Authority’s plan.
Queensland moves to allay CSG fears
The Queensland Government has announced that environmental and landholder protection are the ‘cornerstones’ to the any coal seam water management policy.
Committee calls for submissions on water security
The Senate Standing Committee on Rural Affairs and Transport is calling for submissions for its inquiry and report into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Protecting Australia's Water Resources) Bill 2011.
Victoria to form Gippsland Lake advisory committee
The Victorian Government is calling for expressions of interest for a new Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee as part of a broader plan to improve the health of the lake system.
$30 million for Water Sensitive Cities CRC
The Federal Government has announced $148 million in funding for collaborative research councils (CRCs), with the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities receiving $30 million to continue its research.
Stronger CSG regulations in the pipeline
The Federal Government has promised stronger national regulatory frameworks to assess the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) on the environment in a bid to win key independent’s vote on the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Tasmania announces solid irrigation progress
The Tasmanian Government has announced it is closing in on the half way mark with its extensive irrigation program, with some of the biggest projects close to completion.
Leaked Murray plan sparks concerns
A leaked copy of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has sparked fears of massive job losses and water allocation cuts.
La Trobe research used to treat water toxicity
Research by a microbiologist at La Trobe University is being used to mitigate the impact of treated sewage on the environment and human health.
Aquifer studies underpin Pilbara water plan
The Western Australian Government is using three years of targeted scientific investigations to allocate more groundwater to meet the Pilbara’s growing requirements and to support the Pilbara Cities initiative.
Victorian north-south pipeline only for critical use
The Victorian Government has announced it will only make use of the state’s recently constructed north-south water pipeline in times of ‘critical human need’.
New land and water modelling service launched
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has announced a new computer modelling service that will deliver new digital topographic information, giving greater imagery of the country’s land and water systems.
Chatswood opens stormwater harvesting project
The city of Chatswood has officially opened its $7 million stormwater harvesting project that is set to reduce potable water consumption by over 80 per cent.
Report shows high indirect water use
A report published in the latest edition of Building Research & Information shows that food, clothing and electricity are the main sources of water demand in Australian homes.
Government to implement standard flood definition
The Federal Government has announced plans to implement a universal definition of flooding in a bid to avert future mass insurance disputes.
SA introduces Aquaculture Amendment Bill
The South Australian Government has introduced the Aquaculture Amendment Bill to State Parliament that will aim to reduce red tape and enhance management arrangements in the state’s rapidly growing aquaculture industry.