Simon Corbell is optimistically hoping that anyone in 50 years time will remember he ever lived, let alone care what he, or we, thought about water supply.
Water for the future – striking the balance: Draft ACT Water Strategy 2013 is a long term strategic vision for water management across the ACT and wider region. It was released for public comment today.
“This draft strategy builds on the achievements of the previous strategy, Think water, act water, released in 2004. Think water, act water, guided our region through its worst drought in living memory, and the devastating 2003 bushfires, which both placed extreme pressure on local water resources,” Mr Corbell said.
“Water for the Future aims to ensure that the ACT has well managed, functioning aquatic ecosystems, an integrated and efficient water supply system, and safe, clean water to drink and play in.
“Examples of actions outlined in the strategy include restoring and managing natural drainage systems, and establishing an integrated water service provider responsible for all water service.
“The strategy will help us meet increasing demand for clean, affordable drinking water in the coming years, and improve the water quality of our lakes and watercourses.”
Canberrans have become far more water wise over the last decade. The average annual water consumption dropped from 214 kilolitres per person in 1997–98, to 100 kilolitres per person in 2010–11. However, demand will increase in coming years in line with population growth in Canberra and the surrounding regions.
“We have to consider the pressure population growth will put on our water supply, and the impact it will have on our catchments, stormwater flows and lakes,” said Mr Corbell.
“Community engagement is critical to ensuring the long term success of Water for the Future. I encourage Canberrans to consider how this draft strategy will help our city become even more water sensitive, water secure and water efficient in the future,” he said.
You can have a look at the strategy online.
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