Managing water in the Great Artesian Basin presents many complex environmental, social and economic challenges and opportunities for governments, water users and other stakeholders. When considering the often conflicting values in the Basin, one plus one does not always equal two when it comes to articulating a future management approach. The draft Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan 2019 has been developed to provide guidance for policy, actions and outcomes over the next 15 years.
Over the last four years Basin governments, in consultation with the Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee, have developed the next iteration of a management plan for the Basin. The Plan takes into account feedback from a rigorous consultation period held in the latter half of 2018. This process has not been without challenges and delays, demonstrating the complexities of developing such a Plan. The production of the Plan is significant, impacting the management of the Basin now and into the future.
The new Plan provides a principles-based approach focussing on areas of coordinated governance, judicious use, secure and managed access, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander and community values, a healthy resource, education and information generation. This will enable benefits gained from previous activities to be maintained and support development throughout the Basin.
The principles in the new Plan emphasise the importance of scientific input to Basin management discussions and decisions. Great Artesian Basin science requires support, investment and careful consideration, in relation to balanced outcomes for all water users and economic and environmental outcomes. The Plan seeks to encourage the utilisation, sharing and development of information (scientific and otherwise) by all Basin stakeholders, including governments. Better understanding of the Basin will support policy, management, activities and usage, and enable balanced and beneficial outcomes to be achieved for the Basin and its communities.