15 APRIL 2012
SUBMISSION ON THE PROPOSED BASIN PLAN
PREPARED BY: CENTRAL DOWNS IRRIGATORS LIMITED
Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL) wishes to submit to the MDBA the following comments
regarding the Draft Basin Plan:
CDIL represents irrigators on the Condamine flood plain in southern Queensland. Our member’s
access regulated water entitlements from the Condamine River and the North Branch of the
Condamine River, water harvesting from the Condamine and tributaries, groundwater entitlements
from the Central Condamine Alluvium, and overland flow water harvesting.
CDIL is in general agreement with the proposed basin plan as it relates to our region, however we do
understand and support the concerns expressed by other basin communities regarding the effect of
the proposed plan on them, and the uncertainty of any positive environmental outcomes flowing
from that effect.
CDIL notes the Authority is proposing that a further 95 GL of surface water needs to be recovered to
meet environmental needs, with the majority being likely to come from downstream of St George
because of the location of key environmental sites. While we support that concept, we would hope
that willing sellers of water upstream of St George would be able to participate in the water buyback
process. It is unclear in the proposed plan just how any recovered water will be used to enhance
environmental outcomes at key sites. An environmental watering plan should be developed by the
authority before any water is recovered, so communities can have confidence that the process will
deliver the desired environmental outcomes.
CDIL also notes the Authority is proposing a reduction in groundwater use for the Central
Condamine Alluvium from 81.5 GL to 46.0 GL. CDIL accepts the SDL figure of 46GL and for many
years now has worked cooperatively with State regulatory agencies to bring use to a sustainable
level. CDIL welcomes the Authorities proposal that the groundwater needing to be recovered be
purchased through the Australian Government’s water purchase program. CDIL believe that
purchased groundwater must be treated differently than purchased surface water which will be held
by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder who could put that water to environmental or
consumptive use. Purchased groundwater entitlements must be cancelled so there can be no
possibility they will impact on the sustainability of aquifers in the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Graham Clapham
Chairman
2499 Brookstead-Norwin Rd. M/S 181 Pittsworth QLD 4356
Email: admin@cdil.com.au Web: www.cdil.com.au
ABN: 84 010 210 063