Review of the Eyre Peninsula Water Demand and Supply Statement

About

This engagement has concluded

Have your say to help inform the development of a new Eyre Peninsula Water Demand and Supply Statement.

What is being reviewed?

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has initiated a comprehensive review and revision of the Eyre Peninsula Water Demand and Supply Statement.

The new Statement aims to summarise Eyre Peninsula’s water situation by evaluating water supplies and water uses for the next 34 years. Importantly, the Statement will identify when a water shortfall may be anticipated and initiate a planning process if water demand exceeds supply in the short-term.

We are seeking your feedback on how the original Statement released in 2011 and its subsequent annual reviews can be improved.

How can you influence the outcome?

In 2016, DEWNR established a Reference Group made up of key Eyre Peninsula stakeholders to assist in the review and revision of the Statement. We are now seeking your feedback on particular aspects of how the original Statement described the water situation in the region. For example, tell us how the original Statement explained water supplies and uses and if the water projections addressed future uncertainties.

The feedback we are seeking from you will allow DEWNR and the Reference Group to make the new Statement more relevant by ensuring it provides the level of detail you require on the Eyre Peninsula’s water situation for the next 34 years.

To have your say:

1. Download and read the original Statement (PDF, 1.5MB) and annual reviews (2011 PDF, 240KB; 2012 PDF, 215KB; 2013 PDF, 478KB; 2014 PDF, 594KB).
2. Complete the survey and provide comments by Tuesday, 31 January 2017.

Your views will be considered by DEWNR and the Reference Group in developing the new Statement.

Want to find out more?

Contact the project team via andrew.klos@sa.gov.au or (08) 8463 7042.

Background

The Eyre Peninsula Demand and Supply Statement outlines the state and condition of all water resources in the region (for drinking and non-drinking water), lists major demands on these water resources, and identifies the likely timeframe of water demand exceeding supply. The original Statement that was released in 2011, indicated that under a worst-case scenario, a shortfall for drinking quality water was anticipated in 2017-18.

The latest annual review released in 2015, updated this timing to 2025-26, predominantly due to lower than projected population growth and reduced impacts of climate change. The Statement projects all water supplies and demands for the Eyre Peninsula and any possible future demand-supply difference, so that sensible decisions can be made to secure the region’s water supply prior to a shortfall occurring.

The Statement summarises information about water demands and supplies in the region. It is based on historical data and projections of future demands and supplies. The Statement is an overarching document that summaries the complete water balance in the region and includes information from SA Water’s Long Term Plans, regional Natural Resources Management (NRM) Plans and Water Allocation Plans to develop projections into the future. The Statement discusses water supplies and demands in the long-term (to 2050) and reports on drinking and non-drinking water for the entire region. It is a high-level strategic document that allows the Eyre Peninsula to remain vigilant about the adequacy of the region’s water supplies.

In comparison, SA Water’s Long Term Plans have a more focussed approach for improving SA Water’s assets and guiding capital works programs with the aim of meeting customers’ drinking quality water requirements. The Statement is also different from regional NRM Plans and Water Allocation Plans which ensure that water resources are used sustainably and fairly, taking into account the needs of all water users and the environment.