BURDEKIN DRY TROPICS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2026
64
Delivery
Objectives
Strategies
Water Allocation
Water allocation and use does not exceed sustainable water supply capacity.
Efficient water use practices are used. a) Ensure that sustainable planning and management of water resource volumes incorporates environmental values as well as pressures from climate change, increased demand and development. Note: water planning includes adequate reserves for the welfare of stock animals and domestic purposes during extended dry conditions.
b) Investigate and promote more efficient bulk water supply to irrigators in the Lower Burdekin.
c) When developing sustainable planning and water restriction policies, include adopting water efficient technology as a common practice. For example: leak detection, evaporation reduction and irrigation application efficiency.
d) When planning any expansion of surface water supply and its associated infrastructure, to the Bowen Gumlu Growing District, consider potential adverse impacts on soil, groundwater interactions and the Great Barrier Reef.
e) Investigate crops and cropping practices that align more productively with the sustainable use of local natural resources.
a) Support the investigation, promotion and implementation of water efficient technology and management techniques to reduce urban, rural and industrial water use. For example: Urban use – automated leak detection. Rural use – for cropping lands, closely manage irrigation efficiency at a farm scale; and for grazing land, maximize rainfall infiltration through improved groundcover and appropriate water storage infrastructure.
b) Identify barriers that prevent the implementation of best practice water and land management; and develop and implement mitigation options to promote practice change. Note: this should include acknowledging the link soil science has with water availability.
WATER