Pilbara Regional Water Plan
Different regions within Western Australia face different water resources issues, so the State Water Plan 2007 and the water reform process need to be regionally relevant. To do this, the Department of Water is working with regional stakeholders to prepare Regional Water Plans for all regions of the State. Because of the increasing demand for water in the Pilbara and the region's importance to the economy of the State, the Pilbara Regional Water Plan will be one of the first to be commenced, following the South West Regional Water Plan which was under way last year.
The Pilbara Regional Water Plan will set the overall strategic directions for water resources management in the Pilbara. To set these directions, the planning process will:
- Examine social, economic, cultural and environmental values and trends that will influence future water resources management in the Pilbara;
- Assess the region's likely water availability and future water demands; and
- Determine priority actions to improve water resources management.
The Pilbara Regional Water Plan will take into consideration the potential impacts of climate change and climate variability, it will look across the total water cycle and will integrate both water planning and land use planning.
While the Department of Water is the water resources manager, good water management is the responsibility of all industries and members of the community. Much work has been done in improving water management in the Pilbara and the Department wishes to support and build on that. Developing the Regional Water Plan is the first step in a longer process of engagement with stakeholders in order to improve water supply security, encourage wise water use and protect the environment.
More information is available on community consultation.
