Wheat

Water Minister guides CMAs on irrigation

Monday 21 April, 2008
Regional Irrigation Development Guidelines were signed in Shepparton on Friday.  The guidelines were developed at the request of the Minister for Water as part of the White Paper Reforms.

Regional Irrigation Development Guidelines were signed in Shepparton on Friday.  The guidelines were developed at the request of the Minister for Water as part of the White Paper Reforms.

Three Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) signed the regional guidelines which ensure local irrigators and the environment are protected from the impacts of irrigation developments.

The Goulburn Broken, North Central and North East CMAs have joined forces to develop these guidelines which are regionally relevant and address local issues.

Chair of the Goulburn Broken CMA Dr Huw Davies said the Regional Irrigation Development Guidelines require new development to be done at a "best Practice" standard.  They complement the Water Use licences which have established a minimum standard for existing irrigation. 

The guidelines consist of four documents which are:

  • Regional Directions for Irrigation Development
  • A Memorandum of Understanding
  • Agency Operational Procedures and an
  • Irrigation Development Information Pack

"The Regional Irrigation Development Guidelines are based on 10 years experience of delivery of previous Irrigation Development Guidelines which were developed as part of the salinity program," said Dr Davies.

"It has been a co-operative effort with the CMAs, DSE, DPI, GMW and irrigators working together to secure a workable and efficient process."

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority hosted the signing event today for the three CMAs, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

Release ends

For more information and quotes please contact:

Stacey Brauman at Impress Publicity on 0400644637.

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

Shepparton
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752, Shepparton VIC 3630
T (03) 5822 7700
F (03) 5831 6254

Benalla
89 Sydney Road, PO Box 124, Benalla VIC 3672
T (03) 5822 7700

Yea
Shop 5/10 High Street, Yea VIC 3717
T (03) 5822 7700

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