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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 10 Hansard (26 November) . . Page.. 3106 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

resource for our generation and those into the future. The Bill will provide security for water users so that they can go about their businesses without having to worry whether or not they can rely on it being there tomorrow. Through this Bill, the Government intends to ensure that the use of the Territory's water resources sustain the physical, economic and social - - -

Debate interrupted.

ADJOURNMENT

MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! It being 5.00 pm, I propose the question:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Ms Carnell: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.

Question resolved in the negative.

WATER RESOURCES BILL 1998

Debate resumed.

MR SMYTH: The Bill will also provide the capacity for the Territory to comply with the agreements of the Council of Australian Governments on water reforms. Control of the water resources in the ACT is complicated by its split between national and Territory land. When this legislation has been passed I will be writing to the Federal Government to seek their agreement to be covered by the legislation so that all water in the ACT can be managed as the single important resource that it is.

This Bill contains a number of elements which are important tools. We will formalise environmental flow guidelines. We must protect our aquatic ecosystems. The requirement for a water resources management plan will give the Assembly the opportunity to oversight this planning for future management of our water resources. Licensing of water will protect this valuable resource and give security. The drillers licence will ensure that we can protect ground water from harm. Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank members for their contributions to this debate and I look forward to this Bill being passed expeditiously.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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