Advancing water security across South Australia
Consultation is now underway on a draft Water Security Statement for South Australia, which provides a snapshot of water security across the state and highlights the actions underway to address existing and emerging water security challenges.
The draft statement provides an overview of the state’s water resources, how they are used and strategies to make sure our water supplies are secure and reliable into the future.
Executive Director, Water and River Murray, Ben Bruce, said having an acceptable quantity and quality of water for people, communities, industry and the environment that is affordable now and into the future is essential.
“Water availability from traditional sources is projected to decline across the state under a changing climate and there is also increasing demand for water to support growth in agriculture, mining and energy, as well as for growing towns and cities,” Ben said.
“This is all needs to be managed in the context of maintaining healthy and resilient environments.
“The key challenge now is to build on past investment to ensure that all South Australians have adequate water security and to grow the South Australian economy in a sustainable way.
“The draft Water Security Statement considers how we can make sure we have the water we need to support the state’s economic growth targets, a vibrant society and healthy environments.”
The strategic priorities will form the basis for the state government’s water security program from now until July 2024.
“A key new element of our proposed water security program includes the development of targeted water security strategies,” Ben said.
“These strategies will supplement traditional water planning in regions, or for sectors, where there is evidence that a lack of water may limit long-term growth.
“People, communities, industry and the environment all rely on ongoing, reliable and affordable access to water and water security planning will be critical to safeguard our water supplies into the future.
Consultation on the draft Water Security Statement is open until 5:00pm Friday, 18 June 2021.
Visit the YourSAy website to access the draft statement and provide your feedback: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/draft-water-security-statement
