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New plan takes into account changing needs of water use

Simone GordonNorth Coast Times

Climate-resistant allocation limits and expanding trading rules are two features of the plan, which will secure water use for horticulture, industry and towns.

The groundwater plan spans five shires and includes the towns of Bindoon, Chittering, Gingin, Guilderton, Lancelin, Seabird, Dandaragan and Moora.

"This is a very important area with a valued horticultural sector and tree-change lifestyle, but it is feeling some significant climate change impacts," Water Minister Mia Davies said

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"To meet the calls for regional water security in the face of the climate and growth challenges, we have invested time and effort to create a framework to balance the needs of all groundwater uses.

"The allocation limits and licensing rules set in this plan are based on the best available science, including information from recent hydrogeological investigations, environmental studies, rainfall data and trends in groundwater levels in the Gingin plan area."

The Minister said the plan was developed through stakeholder consultation and increased the security of the region's water resources and the people and businesses that relied on them.

Gingin water plan

The total allocation limit for the area has been reduced by 67 GL/yr to 235 GL/yr to factor the impact of the changing climate with 41 GL/yr reserved for public water supply.

Water is still available for licensing in 29 out of the 35 resources with 20 GL/yr available for new licences on top of the 30 GL/yr in applications under consideration.