Water strategy forum in Brisbane

[Member]

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
 The Honourable Mark McArdle

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Ideas to flow at water strategy forum in Brisbane

Water users in Brisbane have the chance to attend two public forums next week outlining the development of a 30-year strategy to plan for Queensland’s water future.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the Newman Government’s 30-year Water Strategy was all about developing a plan to ensure affordable, secure, sustainable and high quality water and sewerage services across Queensland

“The Strategy will cover a broad range of issues including water supply, catchment management, recreation, irrigation, sanitation and environment services ,” Mr McArdle said.

“In December last year we released a discussion paper on the Strategy, encouraging Queensland individuals, businesses and industry, environmental and community groups to put forward their ideas.

“As part of the consultation process, the Department of Energy and Water Supply is hosting a series of public forums to promote the Strategy’s purpose and to hear directly from Queenslanders.

“This feedback, along with formal written submissions, will be incorporated in the development of the final Strategy to be published towards the end of the year.”

Mr McArdle said the forums would provide an overview of the 30-year Strategy and the vision for Queensland’s water sector.

“Presentations will cover areas such as water business sustainability, innovation, empowering customers, pricing and hardship concessions,” he said.

“Forum attendees will also have the chance to speak directly with department staff, ask questions and share their views and ideas about Queensland’s future water needs and management.”

The Brisbane forums will be held on Monday 25 March, 9am to 12pm, Rooms 1 and 2, Level 3a at 80 George Street and on Wednesday 27 March, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Rooms 1 and 2, Level 3a at 80 George Street.

The consultation period for the 30-year Water Strategy discussion paper closes on Friday 29 March 2013.

RSVPs can be sent to waterstrategy@dews.qld.gov.au, with further information about the forums at www.dews.qld.gov.au/policies/water-sector-reform/forums-30-year-water-sector-strategy.