Environment Minister Simon Corbell has released revised information about the management and supply of the ACT's water resources for the next three decades, forecasting more efficient water use and a reduction in overall consumption.
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Speaking at a lunch on Friday for the Australian Water Association conference in Canberra, Mr Corbell highlighted the need for sustainable water supply, catchment management and community engagement across the territory.
He released a 30-year water strategy for the ACT as well as a new report into water-sensitive urban design, aimed at reducing urban run-off and improving environmental outcomes.
Mr Corbell told the event the ACT Water Strategy would help provide improved water quality and security for Canberrans until at least 2044.
The government will seek to maintain or improve water quality in all sub-catchment areas through integrated management plans, while protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems and managing stormwater and flooding.
"Better integrated management of watercourses, such as Lake Burley Griffin, require collaboration with the Commonwealth, New South Wales and ACT governments to address this problem," Mr Corbell said.
"Current governance arrangements are being mapped out as we speak."
The document outlines a number of new long-term measures designed to protect water quality in urban lakes and ponds across Canberra, allowing for healthy recreational use.
Mr Corbell said the urban design report had brought together industry and community views on the government's 40 per cent reducation requirement for water usage in new development projects, extensions and refurbishments in the ACT, based on pre-2003 levels.
"I am extremely pleased with the community's response to the review, which shows support for water-sensitive urban design remains strong while identifying areas for improvement based on best practice from other jurisdictions," Mr Corbell said.
The report proposes eight priority projects, including revision of Territory Plan provisions, a multi-directorate asset review with cost-benefit analysis, housing affordability consideration, the development of a green infrastructure strategy and a review by the Territory and Municipal Services directorate of design standards.
The Environment and Planning Directorate is suggested to lead the development of a water quality and flow modelling and monitoring program. A review has been called for of environmental protection guidelines for construction and land development.
“Overall, the review will be a key contributor to achieving the outcomes set out in the ACT Water Strategy," Mr Corbell said.
"Both the strategy and the review, combined with the $85 million provided under the Water Management Partnership Agreement with the Australian government, will help us meet our commitments to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Agreement and the plan which regulates how much water we can take out of the Murrumbidgee River each year.
"Today's announcements are all about the ACT government and communities working together to manage water wisely to support a vibrant, sustainable and thriving region."
