Katherine Water Advisory Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
| KWAC - Frequently Asked Questions | (pdf 36Kb) |
Why do we need to manage water in Katherine?
Water is a vital resource for the prosperity and wellbeing of the Katherine Region. The continued expansion of water use from the Tindall Limestone Aquifer in Katherine is pushing the system towards the limits of historically available water. There is increasing competition for water from agriculture, industry and public water supply, to the point where there is the potential for future water use to decrease the flows in the Katherine River. Water is not in endless supply and we must ensure management of the resource.
What potential damage is there to the Katherine River from taking large amounts of water for the Tindall Aquifer?
The Katherine River system is strongly groundwater dependant. The Katherine River flows during the dry season from groundwater discharging through springs from the Tindall Limestone Aquifer. Groundwater plays a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity, cultural and aesthetic uniqueness of the system. Extracting water from the Tindall Aquifer in Katherine, directly impacts the amount of discharge that contributes to flows the Katherine River. If the Katherine River flows are reduced from over extraction and/ or drought there can be severe or irreversible environmental impacts upon the River’s ecosystem.
How can we still have a water shortage when it's been raining for a week?
If you are extracting groundwater that has been depleted during a long-term drought, a week's rain will have little impact. Your water may also come from far away, so even if it's raining at your house, it may not be raining where the water is recharging the aquifer. If this happens, the rain in your area doesn't help the water shortage, however the demand for water is lower while it is raining due to less water being used for crops and lawns etc.
Why have I been issued with high & medium security?
Medium security licences were issued where additional development was proposed on an NT Portion as part of property development plan that was partially complete at 2007. This recognises that the initial investment in capital is largely based on the full development proposal and provides additional security for those that will be completing a property development plan that has already commenced. More information can be found on the Licence Security factsheet at www.nt.gov.au/water.
What happens to my groundwater extraction licence if I decide to subdivide or sell my property?
In situations where a property with a valid water licence attached is
Subdivided:
- The attached water licence expires, however, one or more of the owners of land to which the expired licence related, may apply for one or more licences to replace the expired licence.
- The volume of water issued under new licences will not exceed the requirement for the level of development existing prior to the subdivision taking place.
When a property is sold with an existing licence, a new licence will be issued to reflect the change of ownership. The licence is still subject to the 5 and 10 year reviews, based on the original property development plan for which the water was assigned.
What happens at the five and ten year reviews if I cannot keep up with my property development plan?
The Plan encourages the sustainable development of licences but requires that water be recovered from licensees that do not meet their development targets. During the 5 year review, all licences volumes will be reassessed against their level of development. At the time of the review, if the progress of on-ground development is not in accordance with what was proposed by the licensee, the licence volume may be reduced. Extenuating circumstances that have affected the progress of the proposed development may be considered as part of the review.
When can I trade water from my current licence?
Permanent and temporary trades are available to most licence holders.
For temporary trades, licensees will only be able to trade water in accordance with their current level of development and their announced allocation for that year. For example, if an efficiency gain is made, the licensee may wish to trade the volume of water saved to another user. It will not be acceptable for a licensee to trade water that is not being used because their proposed development is not being progressed.
Permanent trading is only permitted under the Plan when the property development plan for which their water was allocated has been completed. If a licensee has invested fully in the development for which water was granted, it is reasonable to allow that licensee to trade water as a result of improved efficiency or decisions to reduce or change production.
The rules for water trading in the Plan have been devised to allow flexibility for the movement of water without compromising environmental or cultural values. To manage local impacts due to temporary movement of extraction rights, two water management zones have been declared. Only 15% of the total extraction limit is permitted from Zone 1 in order to protect flows in the Katherine River. A trade into Zone 1 will only be permitted if the resultant extraction from this zone will not exceed 15% of the total extraction limit for that year. The extent of Zone 1 is based on the area where the impact of extraction on flows in the Katherine River would be noticed within 1 year.
For further assistance, contact the Water Resources Branch by:
Email: water.nretas@nt.gov.au
Internet site: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water
In person: 32 Giles St, Katherine, NT, 0850
Phone: (08) 89 738840
Post: PMB 123, Katherine, NT, 0852