6.1: Water Security
Secure Canberra’s future water supply. Other Information:
Securing Canberra’s future water supply is one of our highest priorities. We must develop the capacity to cope with extended
dry periods if, as is forecast, the effects of climate change reduce the long-term average inflows to our dams. The new large-scale
measures announced in 2007 equip us to cope with a drier future. In addition, the ACT Government will continue to explore
and support ways to reduce demand for water, encourage sustainable water use through building design and rain- and grey-water
harvesting, and pursue various options to reduce our reliance on rainfall. The ACT Government will receive $85 million in
Commonwealth funding to reduce the amount of salt sent downstream from its water treatment facilities, as part of the Murray
Darling rescue plan made at the Council of Australian Governments’ meeting in June 2008. Planning for the project is under
way with scoping to remove 40 tonnes of salt per day from the Lower Molonglo Water Control area. Education for sustainable
water use is being incorporated in the ACT schools curriculum through the Australian Schools Initiative. This partnership
of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments seeks to support schools and their communities to use water sustainably.
With water prices likely to rise, we will explore ways to shield low-income earners from high prices, through concessions
and measures to help manage demand. To ensure that our efforts to provide water security do not intensify climate change,
we will offset additional greenhouse gas emissions caused by the operation of all water projects.
Indicator(s):
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