Looking forward, looking back: Water planning and the future of the Katherine region
The Daly River water committee (Committee) took advice from country music legend Slim Dusty, as the Committee is ‘looking forward’ to the next Katherine water plan, by ‘looking back’ and reviewing the existing Katherine water plan.
The Committee spent 2 days reviewing the effectiveness of the Katherine Tindall Limestone Aquifer water allocation plan 2024-2026 and, based on their assessment, providing advice to the department to ensure the next iteration of the plan is fit for purpose and reflects the Katherine community.
The Committee were presented an overview of long-term climatic and hydrological patterns in the Katherine region, highlighting the role of broader climate variability in shaping trends. The Chair also presented long-term data on water use in the region by industry and location alongside long-term modelled and actual data on aquifer storage and levels.
The departments’ data suggest that water extraction from the Tindall Limestone aquifer in the plan area is not having any regional impacts. The Chair highlighted data gaps on extraction from unmetered bores and their concentration in the Katherine township.
As part of ‘looking back’, Committee members workshopped value-based objectives and outcomes to inform the next water plan, and ensure it better reflects the community, water users, and the aspirations for water management in the area.
Not such a ‘long way down the track’ (at the next meeting) the Committee will review the proposed draft water plan, prior to it going to the Minister for release for public consultation.
The public will have an opportunity to provide their feedback to the plan via Have your say website later this year.
