The Water planning framework is a core element of the State water resource management and reform program providing the basis for the ongoing development of strategic and statutory water plans administered by the Department of Water.
This diagram describes the framework which includes plans for statutory water management; source protection; drainage and floodplain management. It describes the desired outcomes to be achieved through each plan, lists plan objectives, geographical area, priorities and issues to be further considered.
The plan builds on the foundations of the State Water Strategy 2003, the National Water Initiative 2004 and the Blueprint for Water Reform in Western Australia 2006 and provides a comprehensive, integrated approach comprising:
Regional water plans to address the water issues, challenges and opportunities of each WA region. In all, nine regional plans are being developed over the five years to 2012.
Strategic water issue plans are flexible tools that address specific issues not covered by other plans. This enables government agencies to work together with the community.
The strategic direction provided by the State water resource management and reform program and regional water plans are suported by detailed management plans to protect and share water resources and manage land-use changes. These include specific strategies to allocate water sustainably, protect drinking water sources, preserve our waterways and manage drainage and floodplains.
The Water Planning Framework was developed in consultation with Government agencies and other stakeholders with a workshop held on 8 August 2006.