Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, would like to make people aware that the revised draft South East Queensland Water Strategy is open for consultation.

Carolyn Male MP said the revised draft strategy is a responsible blue print to ensure the security and sustainability of the region’s water supply to 2050 and beyond.

“It aims to deliver sufficient water to support a comfortable, prosperous and sustainable lifestyle, whilst meeting the needs of urban, industrial and rural growth, and the environment,” Carolyn Male MP said.

The guiding principles of the revised draft strategy include:

Using less - Residents and businesses will be encouraged to maintain their water efficient practices. During the consultation process, the community is being asked for feedback on whether they would prefer a regional average target of 200 or 230 litres per person per day. If more savings can be achieved, investment in infrastructure can be delayed.

Sourcing more - Water savings will delay, but not avoid, the need for additional bulk water supplies. Desalination facilities will underpin the region’s water security. The next major augmentation could be needed as early as 2017 or as late as 2026, depending upon population growth, average consumption and the impacts of climate change.

Managing efficiently - The Strategy builds on the reforms currently underway, which seek to ensure that the SEQ Water Grid is operated efficiently.

The full Strategy can be viewed at www.qwc.qld.gov.au. It has been released for public consultation until 12 February 2010 and will be finalised in April 2010.

Written feedback on the revised draft strategy can be provided online to www.qwc.qld.gov.au/SEQWS; fax to 3227 8277 or by letter to PO Box 15087, City East Brisbane Q 4002.

For further information please call my office on 3205 6779 or email pine.rivers@parliament.qld.gov.au.