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Help prepare Wildlife Queensland's water policy

Are dams the answer?
Where will we source our
water in the future?
Photo: Jasen Andersen

Varied opinions    Tell us your view    Shaping water policy    Resources

Water supply - especially when it includes dams in South-East Queensland - is a 'dam' difficult issue for everyone.

Wildlife Queensland is preparing a policy paper to state the Society's position on water supply and water use in Queensland.

Varied opinions

The society prides itself on its broad range of members who are every age and every background, scattered throughout the State and beyond. Our members also hold varied opinions on water and dams.

For example:

• Fraser Coast Branch members have resolved to oppose the construction of a dam at Traveston Crossing on the Mary River,

but….

• At least one member has contacted Wildlife Queensland's head office to oppose Wildlife Queensland President Alan Barton's statement in the Winter newsletter that dams are, 'Wrong, wrong and, did I mention, wrong.'

Tell us your view

So Wildlife Queensland is asking its members to tell us their opinions on water.

Wildlife Queensland's water policy needs to take account of the views of members. Take this chance to tell us what you think.

1. Read the summary of issues and goals in Shaping water policy.<anchor>
2. Do your own research if you wish. Use the resources <anchor>listed if you like.
3. Base your response on the issues listed.
4. Write or email us with your views. They will be taken into account in preparing the Wildlife Queensland Water Policy.
5. Deadline for submissions: Monday 4 December 2006

Shaping water policy

Any Wildlife Queensland water policy will have to include these goals:

Goal

• Promote water conservation
• Promote environmental values
• Promote sustainable approaches
• Ensure wildlife is not unduly impacted

The policy will have to address these main issues, possibly including specific aspects:

Issues that the policy must address

• Water sources: recycled water, rainwater, desalination, dams
• Water distribution: pipes to replace open channels, a state water grid
• Water uses: efficient use of drinking water, domestic use of greywater, appropriate industrial and agricultural water use.
• Water loss: evaporation from open storages, leakage from pipework
• Water cost: cost differences for different users, future cost structures.

Resources

For the Queensland Government view, go to the website of the Department of Natural Resources and Water and follow the link to Securing water for Queensland's future.

The Save the Mary River organisation opposes siting a dam on the Traveston Crossing of the Mary River in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Email and ask for their briefing sheet that summarises the reasons to oppose this and other recently announced dam projects.

See also Professor Jean Joss's article on the likely effects of the dam on the endangered Queensland lungfish.

For more information on WPSQ's campaigns, email or phone +61 (7) 3221 0194.

Wildlife Queensland, October 2006