Water Plan (Mary Basin) 2024

the need for, and efficiency of, current and proposed uses of water, including, for example—

the extent to which water is currently being taken under water licences and statutory authorisations to take or interfere with water in the plan area; and

emerging requirements in the plan area for additional water and the likely timeframe in which the additional water will be required; and

water savings that may be made by improving the efficiency with which water is taken and used; and

the availability of an alternative water supply for the purpose for which water is required; and

the impact the proposed taking of, or interfering with, water may have on the following—

water quality;

inundation of habitats;

the movement of fish and other aquatic species;

the natural movement of sediment;

existing water users in the plan area, including towns and communities dependent on the water resources for the plan area for the supply of urban water to the town or community;

recreational or social use and aesthetic enjoyment;

cultural values, including, for example, cultural values of the traditional owners of the plan area; and

whether the proposed taking of water is to take surface water from a significant watercourse reach; and

whether the proposed taking of, or interfering with, water is likely to—

have a direct adverse effect on the underground water management area; or

degrade land or downstream watercourses.Example of degradation of land or downstream watercourses—