Agreement On The Management Of Snowy's Future

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• News & Events
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• Work Started on New Pipeline for Hay Irrigation Area
• Water For River Flows on Track to Exceed Targets
• Coalition Commits to Snowy Environmental Flows
• Pipeline to Secure Water Supply in Hay PID
• 15 Gigalitres of Water to be Returned to Snowy System
• Snowy Health Check-up
• Primary Industry Minister Views Water Recovery Challenges
• State Government on Track to Meet Water Savings Targets
• Victoria on Track to Meet Snowy River Water Commitment
• First Projects For Water Savings Identified
• Snowy Joint Government Enterprise Now Open For Business
• Agreement On The Management Of Snowy's Future

The Australian Government, NSW and Victorian Governments have reached an historic milestone in assuring the future of the Snowy River with today's announcement of agreement on the composition of the Snowy Joint Government Enterprise (JGE).

Federal Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane, NSW Agriculture Minister Ian Macdonald and Victorian Environment and Water Minister John Thwaites have agreed to the broad parameters of the JGE which will oversee a program of water savings to provide additional flow for the Snowy and Murray Rivers.

Consultations with South Australia, which will have observer status on the JGE with the option to join at a later date, will also begin shortly.

"In simple terms this agreement paves the way for providing the promised environmental flows to the Murray and Snowy Rivers. It's a vital step toward restoring the health of these very important Australian rivers," Mr Macfarlane said.

A long-term staged release process has been decided to ultimately deliver the targeted 212 gigalitres in increased environmental flow for the Snowy and up to 70 gigalitres of dedicated environmental flows into the Murray each year.

It's proposed to locate the JGE near the Murray River at Albury and that the Enterprise be made up of an independent board of three directors.

"These rivers are true Australian icons, and the Government - both State and Australian - is committed to seeing that they continue to thrive for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations," Mr Macdonald said.

"The extra environmental flows will provide benefits to both the Snowy and Murray Rivers, with the Snowy JGE to oversee expenditure of $375 million over the next 10 years for water savings projects," said Mr Thwaites.

Victoria and New South Wales will each contribute $150 million, and the Australian Government will contribute $75 million over 10 years.

Ministers have received a proposal from Charles Sturt University to locate the JGE near its School of Environmental and Information Science at its Thurgoona campus. Ministers have welcomed the proposal, and will refer it to the incoming CEO to assess and make a final decision on the precise location of the JGE.

The Australian Government, New South Wales and Victorian Governments intend to establish the JGE by mid-October 2003.

Contact:
Minister Macfarlane's office, (02) 6277 7580