Drought Assistance

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().1 April 2025).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has advised:

An approval process for new dams or alteration of existing dams is required to ensure that surface water resources are sustainably managed. Dams significantly affect the natural flow regime, delaying the onset and magnitude of flow events, which affects the availability of water to downstream water users, including businesses and the environment. Increasing the size of dams or constructing new dams would further alter the flow regime, further affecting the availability of water to downstream water users.

In a changing climate, water supply from dams is expected to become less reliable. As we plan for a hotter and drier future, punctuated by extreme weather events, alternative water supply arrangements will need to be considered. Constructing new dams or enlarging existing dams will not help landholders across the catchment secure additional water if rainfall totals are reduced.

For these reasons, relaxation of rules relating to new dams or the alteration of existing dams is not recommended.