National Groundwater Committee
National Groundwater Committee (NGC) is a senior inter-governmental network established to share information and provide insight on national groundwater policies and resource management, research directions, priorities and programs. In particular it:
- is a 'Network Group' to the Natural Resource Management Policy and Programs Committee of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, providing technical support and strategic advice on groundwater policy and resource management
- provides a focal point for monitoring and coordination of national groundwater (technical, research and policy) initiatives and emerging issues, and facilitates cooperation between Australian, states, territory governments and industry organisations as appropriate
- provides an overview of the availability and adequacy of groundwater training and education for groundwater professionals, technicians, drillers and natural resource managers
Agencies represented on NGC are:
- Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (Australian Government)
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australian Government)
- Department of Sustainability and Environment (Victoria)
- Department of Territory and Municipal Services (ACT)
- Department of Natural Resources (NSW)
- Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NT)
- Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)
- Mineral Resources Tasmania
- Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA)
- Department of Natural Resources and Water (QLD)
- Centre for Groundwater Studies
- CSIRO, Land and Water
- Bureau of Rural Sciences (Australian Government)
The NGC has identified some key emerging groundwater policy issues to progress through its network. They include:
- integrated groundwater-surface water management
- improved management and protection of groundwater dependent ecosystems
- impacts of land use change on groundwater resources
- water level response management as a micro-management tool
- knowledge gaps in groundwater science and policy
See also
- Australian Water Resources 2005
- Coasts and oceans
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Meteorological information for primary industry and natural resources management
- National Centre for Tropical Wetland Research
- National Framework for Improved Groundwater Management in Australia
- National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems
- Water for a Healthy Country Flagship
Key
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