Key messages—FWQAG meeting 11-11-09
Fitzroy Water Resource Plan
The current review of the Fitzroy Water Resource Plan needs to consider the work currently underway in developing environmental values and water quality objectives.
Water discharge conditions
There has been an excellent response from mining companies in the Fitzroy in reviewing environmental authority conditions relating to water discharges. Almost all of the affected mining companies have submitted amendment applications which reflect the model water conditions developed in consultation with the Queensland Resources Council and mining companies in June 2009.
It is anticipated that amendments will be finalised by 31 December 2009 as scheduled.
Overland flow
The water accounting process informing the review of the Fitzroy Water Resource Plan needs to factor in the potential additional takes of overland flow mining companies will require if they have to store water longer to meet revised discharge conditions.
Cumulative impacts model
The group would welcome input into the preparation of a project plan and a consultation program for developing a model to assess the cumulative impacts of mining water discharges, in accordance with recommendations of the Cumulative Impacts Report. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) will consult the FWQAG on the project plan before it is finalised.
Fish health
The group noted that DERM has received an interim report from Biosecurity Queensland on fish health. This report is being peer-reviewed and will be made available when it is finalised.
Blue-green algae
The group noted the outcomes of the project by the Central Queensland University/Australian Water Quality Centre to mitigate the adverse effects of blue-green algae in the region, including the newly detected toxic impacts of Limnothrix. The project is funded by the Australian Coal Industry's Research Program (ACARP).
Response to Hart Report—recommendation 12
The advisory group is in the final stages of considering the government’s response to the Hart report’s recommendation 12—to develop a catchment caretaker role. The meeting noted that the amalgamation of the former EPA and Department of Natural Resources and Water to form the Department of Environment and Resource Management was a significant step forward in implementing this recommendation.
Water quality guidelines
A project to establish environmental values and water quality objectives for the Fitzroy that will inform the development of water quality guidelines has commenced. The first workshop with community representatives was held on 25–6 November, with broader community consultation on a sub-catchment basis scheduled for early 2010.
Last updated 11 December 2009