A model approach to water resource planning for sustainable development in northern Australia
Katherine/Daly and Darwin regions, NT
Total funding: $2.05 million over two years with funding of $877 000 plus GST over two years from the Australian Government and $1.09 million from the Northern Territory Government.
About the project
The project will establish a model approach to ensuring that water allocation planning for northern Australian tropical river catchments is based on the best practicable water resource and water use information. To achieve this, the project will:
- Review and modify water metering processes. This will involve reviewing metering standards, establishing guidelines for selecting water meters, designing a new scheme for metering of private water use and introduce a new scheme for consistent metering of private rural water use.
- Develop comprehensive scientific models on available water resources. This will largely be achieved by developing monitoring systems that better assess forces impacting on groundwater and surface water, including land use and development.
- Water allocation plans will then be developed based on information gathered from the project.
Project benefits
The project will:
- provide water users, regulators, planners and the community with reliable information about water use and impacts on water resources
- ensure water is used efficiently and within allocated limits
- boost knowledge and understanding of how surface and groundwater fluctuations impact on high value aquatic ecosystems such as the Daly River region, and
- establish a best practice and model approach that can be applied to other regions in Northern Australia.
This project delivers on the Australian Governments commitment to improve water management as outlined in Securing Australia's Water Future at the last election.
Water Smart Australia projects are funded by the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.
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