The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has commenced consultation on NSW’s first ever State-wide 20-year water strategy to strengthen regional and metropolitan water services.
Minister for Water, Melinda Pavey said the recent drought, which followed the Millennium Drought, highlighted that water resources were coming under increasing pressure from a combination of population growth, changing industry, community needs and a more variable climate.
“The Government does long-term strategic planning for transport, land use and infrastructure, but this is the first time we’ve done it for water,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Too many times in the past, once the drought breaks, the urgency and will to improve drought resilience and water security evaporates,” she said.
“We are not going to let that happen this time and will keep the momentum going as we continue to reform water management in NSW.”
Mrs Pavey said water resources must be managed through diversifying supply, including the building of new infrastructure; use of recycling and storm water harvesting; and the use of new technology and innovation.
She said the draft strategy, NSW Water Strategy, set out the State’s key priorities as well as guiding principles that would inform future decisions on water management, and work in tandem with 12 Regional Water Strategies and two metropolitan Strategies under development.
She said the Draft Strategy was on public exhibition until 28 March for the community to have their say.
“All feedback will inform the final strategy which will include an implementation plan and will be released by mid-2021,” Mrs Pavey said.
DPIE’s 153-page Draft Strategy, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
