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Canberra Today 12°/15° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

We’re water secure for two decades, says report

ACT is likely to be water secure for the next 20 years, says the latest draft report from the ACT Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission.

According to the draft report, over the next 20 years water restrictions will only be likely on rare occasions over the medium term and that the Government should not undertake any further secondary water investments at this time.

“The enlarged Cotter Dam, Murumbidgee to Googong pipeline project and the purchase of water entitlements from the Tantangara Dam Catchment are all confirmed as prudent projects which will provide our community with a high level of water security for decades to come,” Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell said.

“The report also confirms that the ACT Government’s 2023 target of a 25 per cent reduction in per capita water consumption is likely to be met in 2013, well ahead of the target year.”

It noted that the Inner North pilot stormwater reticulation trial, that utilises stormwater from constructed ponds to irrigate nearby parklands and playing fields, should continue and be fully evaluated.

Mr Corbell said this was a sensible approach to water security in the ACT.

“These wetlands offer significant environmental and water quality benefits for greater catchments like Lake Burley Griffin, and data that will be collected through a trial will provide a basis for future decision making for wetland projects in other parts of the city,” Mr Corbell said.

“This approach is also consistent with the advice recently provided by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment in his recent report into ACT lakes.”

The ICRC Report concludes that the ACT community’s current water needs can cost-effectively be met through the ACTEW primary water supply network.

Mr Corbell said detailed consideration would be given to the ICRC’s recommendations, particularly those concerning the future role of subsidies and rebates for home water tanks and grey water systems and the operation of the Water Sensitive Urban Design guidelines.

 

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