Mrs PADGHAM-PURICH - 1995-08-22
I refer to the national Landcare program and its application to the local component, called the Darwin Rural Area Land Use Appraisal. Input is expected from the Water Resources Division of PAWA, the Litchfield Shire Council, the Northern Territory Horticultural Association, the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment and the general public. When this study is completed, what will be the outcome for ordinary men and women in my electorate?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I had some warning of her interest in this matter, and I sought a briefing from my department. I hope the information I have will answer her question at least in part. The Darwin rural area, which is encompassed largely by the member for Nelson's electorate, relies heavily on underlying ground water resources. Members will be aware of the mounting competition for those resources and the consequent need to protect the quality of that water source.
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The Water Resources Division of the Power and Water Authority has been giving increasing attention to resource management issues in the Darwin rural area and this attention is set to escalate. Recent activities in the rural area, including significant project and research work, include: the Howard East transpiration studies, which commenced in 1992, to examine natural vegetation and water use; the Darwin Rural Area Ground Water Assessment program, a 5-year program commenced in 1993 with the object of developing appropriate ground water management frameworks to underpin contiguous land use development; and an investigation, which spans the period 1993 through to this year, into the nature and cause of iron fouling of ground water supplies. Also, studies at Lambells Lagoon and Berry Springs into the basic water resource information has led to the identification of significant ground water resources, an underlying source of considerable horticultural value.
There is also the Litchfield Shire Land Development Policy Review, which involves detailed submissions being made to produce a draft policy in respect of flooding, drainage, preparing vegetation etc. Work is continuing to ascertain flood-prone and poorly-drained land which should be reserved from subdivision. In regard to water quality programs, a water quality survey of the rural area was completed in 1992. That sought to identify the presence of pesticides and herbicides, in both ground water and surface waters, which could be associated with agricultural use. No problems were identified in this regard. In addition, the division has an ongoing role in advising the Northern Territory Planning Authority in relation to the potential impact of subdivision and development proposals on the water resource. Further, it provides ongoing advice to the public, through the Rural Area Advisory Services, on water resource and management issues.
I am pleased to advise the House, in particular the member for Nelson, that a 3-year program is due to commence with the financial support of the Commonwealth. Funding support has been received for combined government agencies to conduct a land use impact appraisal study for the entire rural area. This program will assess interaction between land use intensity and ground water resources and, through consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, will develop policy guidelines for ongoing land development and resource management. I hope that response answers the member's question but, if she requires any more information, I will be pleased to provide it.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I had some warning of her interest in this matter, and I sought a briefing from my department. I hope the information I have will answer her question at least in part. The Darwin rural area, which is encompassed largely by the member for Nelson's electorate, relies heavily on underlying ground water resources. Members will be aware of the mounting competition for those resources and the consequent need to protect the quality of that water source.
Page 798
The Water Resources Division of the Power and Water Authority has been giving increasing attention to resource management issues in the Darwin rural area and this attention is set to escalate. Recent activities in the rural area, including significant project and research work, include: the Howard East transpiration studies, which commenced in 1992, to examine natural vegetation and water use; the Darwin Rural Area Ground Water Assessment program, a 5-year program commenced in 1993 with the object of developing appropriate ground water management frameworks to underpin contiguous land use development; and an investigation, which spans the period 1993 through to this year, into the nature and cause of iron fouling of ground water supplies. Also, studies at Lambells Lagoon and Berry Springs into the basic water resource information has led to the identification of significant ground water resources, an underlying source of considerable horticultural value.
There is also the Litchfield Shire Land Development Policy Review, which involves detailed submissions being made to produce a draft policy in respect of flooding, drainage, preparing vegetation etc. Work is continuing to ascertain flood-prone and poorly-drained land which should be reserved from subdivision. In regard to water quality programs, a water quality survey of the rural area was completed in 1992. That sought to identify the presence of pesticides and herbicides, in both ground water and surface waters, which could be associated with agricultural use. No problems were identified in this regard. In addition, the division has an ongoing role in advising the Northern Territory Planning Authority in relation to the potential impact of subdivision and development proposals on the water resource. Further, it provides ongoing advice to the public, through the Rural Area Advisory Services, on water resource and management issues.
I am pleased to advise the House, in particular the member for Nelson, that a 3-year program is due to commence with the financial support of the Commonwealth. Funding support has been received for combined government agencies to conduct a land use impact appraisal study for the entire rural area. This program will assess interaction between land use intensity and ground water resources and, through consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, will develop policy guidelines for ongoing land development and resource management. I hope that response answers the member's question but, if she requires any more information, I will be pleased to provide it.
Page 799
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016