Jo Palmer,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Taking a strategic approach to sustainably managing the State’s freshwater resources continues to be a priority for the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
Three freshwater science projects are being delivered as part of the Rural Water Use Strategy to support continued evidence-based policy and decision making in relation to climate change, groundwater risk assessment and water accountability by water users.
Tasmanians’ priorities are our priorities and as a global leader in renewable energy production and emissions reduction, it is appropriate that we ensure Tasmania’s water management practices are informed by the latest climate change modelling.
Our Government is strengthening Tasmania’s future by undertaking the Catchment Yield Science Update project which will incorporate the most up-to-date predictions of climate change impacts. This will support water managers, businesses and the community to make informed decisions regarding sustainable water allocation and planning for the future.
Improving practices and policies that deliver secure and sustainable water into the future is critical and that’s why we are improving water use responsibility through the Water Accountability, Metering and Reporting Framework Review.
The project will explore contemporary policy settings and make recommendations for change that will support continual improvement.
Finally, the Groundwater Assessment Project will enhance our understanding of the interaction between surface water and groundwater, as well as exploring the risks and opportunities associated with the use of underground water.
This project will provide tools and data to support water management policy and water infrastructure planning.
Our Government is strengthening Tasmania’s future and these science projects will help deliver key actions identified in the Rural Water Use Strategy and will be completed by the end of 2024 with input from water industry leaders and key stakeholders.
The science projects are a $1.8 million co-investment between the Tasmanian Government and the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Authority.
