One of the outback’s greatest water resources will be put under the microscope with management of the Lake Eyre Basin going out for public consultation.
The enormous underground Basin, covers almost one sixth of Australia at 1.2 million square kilometres, in three states and the NT.
The main industries in the Basin are pastoralism and other primary production, mining and petroleum, and tourism.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement was set up to make sure water use in one state did not have severe consequences over the border.
“Everybody needs good neighbours and this agreement is all about making sure neighbouring states can get along,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I want to make sure the agreement encourages the states and the NT to work together when they put plans in place to use the water.
“The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the last dry-land water systems in the world – securing it’s future is important.
“The Intergovernmental Agreement was set up by the Australian, Queensland, South Australian and Northern Territory governments to make sure water use by one state didn’t hurt its neighbours.
”The Agreement is reviewed every 10 years to make sure it’s achieving its objectives.
“I would welcome the NSW government also joining this important and long-standing agreement.
“Independent consultant Noetic will undertake the review.
“Australians can have their say on how water has been managed in the Basin and what can be done better.
“This is important to make sure the Agreement is fit for the Basin’s future.
“I’m encouraging anyone interested in the health of the Lake Eyre Basin to get involved and point out any on-ground issues,” he said.
Comments can be provided online at the Australian government’s agriculture website or by downloading the submission form on the consultation page and returning it to the Lake Eyre Basin secretariat.
- Visit www.agriculture.gov.au/water/national/lake-eyre-basin or email: lebsecretariat@agriculture.gov.au.
