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South East Queensland Water Strategy

The South East Queensland Water Strategy was released on 15 July 2010. The Strategy is a long-term blueprint for ensuring a sustainable, efficient and secure water supply for South East Queensland (SEQ) into the future.

The Strategy is based on the three key principles of:

Conserving water

  • Making Target 200 SEQ's voluntary residential water use target.
  • Ensuring business and industry consider water efficiency as part of good business practices.

Being prepared 

  • Investigating potential bulk water supply options and new technologies relating to water supply sources to ensure the best decisions are made in the future.
  • Preparing a drought response plan for SEQ to identify what needs to happen in the lead up to, during and after any future drought in the region.
  • Reporting on the implementation of the Strategy annually, including a review of the fundamental planning assumptions such as climate and weather impacts, population growth and community water use.

Managing water efficiently 

  • Operating the SEQ Water Grid cost effectively and efficiently.
  • Keeping climate-resilient sources on standby so more can be taken from dams in times of plenty, knowing back-up supplies are available when needed.

South East Queensland Water Strategy Annual Report

The South East Queensland Water Strategy Annual Report 2011 was released in November 2011. The report provides an update on the implementation of the South East Queensland Water Strategy from July 2010 to June 2011. This includes a review of the fundamental planning assumptions that were adopted as part of the Strategy.

In the first 12 months the Strategy has been in place:

  • significant milestones have been reached for SEQ Water Grid infrastructure, including the raising of Hinze Dam and the completion of Wyaralong Dam
  • the south east corner has had its highest rainfall since 1974, filling all of SEQ's dams, and
  • Target 200 has been maintained with an average residential water use of 163 litres per person per day, across the region, for the 12-month period from July 2010 to June 2011.

SEQ's water supplies are currently secure due to water storages being near full capacity and water use remaining below the voluntary Target 200. There is time to consider when to bring on additional infrastructure.

In February 2012, the final report from the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry will be released. If required, the Commission will adjust its work plan to respond to any relevant recommendations and outcomes. In the interim, work to implement the Strategy will continue as planned. 

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Last updated
31 October 2011