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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (25 September) . . Page.. 3447 ..

This Bill, Mr Speaker, is a good example of how to integrate the consideration of environmental and economic concerns in order to achieve the best possible overall outcomes for the community. Not only does it provide security and certainty for business investment, but it also promotes the efficient use and re-use of a valuable and limited natural resource while ensuring protection of the resource and associated values.

It is important to note that this Bill is only the first step in moving towards sound water resource management in the Territory. It establishes the capacity for the Government to act on this matter. However, there is a long way to go in developing water allocation and licensing arrangements and any associated charges which will be done through a program of community consultation. Existing users will be issued with allocations reflecting their current usage. The transitional arrangements provide a period of twelve months during which licences will be issued.

Through this legislation we will for the first time be able to effectively manage our water resources to ensure that the health of our waterways is protected and to ensure the maintenance of the community's physical, economic and social well being.

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