Improving outcomes in the Whitsunday water plan area

The current Whitsunday water plan includes outcomes (goals) that we seek to achieve through plan strategies.

For example, one of the outcomes is to support the economic growth while recognising the social and cultural values of communities in the basins. A strategy (or way) to achieve this is to consider how much water can be allocated to individual users from unallocated water reserves. By making water available this way we do not impact existing water users or the environment.

Across Queensland there are 23 water plans with multiple outcomes. We are reviewing how effective the current Whitsunday water plan is at meeting its outcomes and working to standardise similar outcomes across all plans where that’s possible. That will make all water plans easier to understand and implement.

The current Whitsunday water plan doesn't include any stand-alone social, economic, environmental, or cultural outcomes that reflect the needs and values of those within the water plan area. We are working closely with all key stakeholders to further develop these outcomes, including engagement with local First Nations representatives to identify cultural values and consider specific cultural outcomes in the water plan.