The NSW Labor government released its Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy on Tuesday, in which it describes ‘a clear vision for the future of sustainable water from Tweed Heads to Evans Head, Kyogle to Casino, Lismore to Byron Bay and everywhere in between’.
The press release by Minister for Water and the North Coast, Rose Jackson, claims the framework was ‘developed through extensive planning and consultation’ and the strategy’s key priorities over the next 20 years and beyond were ‘safeguarding town water supplies, boosting the resilience of natural systems, improving river connectivity and delivering better First Nations outcomes’.
According to the document, available at water.dpie.nsw.gov.au, 25 actions were developed to ‘help to improve the Far North Coast’s readiness to adapt to a more variable climate’.
Population growth biggest impact
As for how climate change will impact the region, the strategy says, ‘Intense storm events could become more frequent; however, it is uncertain if the severity of associated flooding will also increase. Storm surges and inundation of low-lying areas could also increase’.
And on page 53, the strategy says, ‘Over the next 40 years, population growth in the Far North Coast is likely to have a greater impact on water supply security than climate change’.
Seven ‘key challenges’ that are the initial focus for the region are: ‘Declining catchment and river health; competition for low flows; saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources; Aboriginal people’s rights and access to water; water security for industries in the Far North Coast; water security for towns and communities in the Far North Coast; and flood risks to individuals, businesses and communities’.
While groundwater is identified as ‘an important source of water for towns and industries’, the strategy admits ‘We have a limited understanding of coastal groundwater systems. In particular, we have knowledge gaps on aquifer capacities and on how reliable these groundwater resources are during dry periods’.
The Tweed–Brunswick Coastal Sands groundwater table, located in Tyagragh, is still included in the strategy, along with other identified sources in other shires.
There was no reference to the controversial Dunoon Dam proposal within the three-part document.
Actions in the strategy include: ‘Better supporting local councils to provide secure and affordable water supply systems to towns and improve flood risk management; delivering a river rehabilitation program to enhance the health and water quality of the region’s rivers as well as boosting native fish passage; finding innovative water supply options such as recycled water and managed aquifer recharge; investigating improved use and understanding of groundwater resources; and ‘collaborating with First Nations groups to improve Aboriginal businesses, opportunities and cultural outcomes’.
“… finding innovative water supply options such as recycled water and managed aquifer recharge…”
Haha – the ghost of Keith Williams returns to haunt the Dunoon Dam boosters.
Sharon Cadwallader’s “independence” from the National’s will be thoroughly tested during the expected minimum of 8 years of Labor State Government. Is she the best person for the job ?
Part of the problem is that people do not respect water usage as its so cheap. For the price of a cup of coffee you can get 5000 litres – thats a lot of water but because its cheap its wasted. People are now carefull with their electricity because its expensive. So increase the price of water so people use less rather than tap into underground water sources that coul have significant environmental affects.