River basin planning

Overview

Water is a precious resource that we can’t live without; from supplying drinking water and supporting fisheries, to providing an essential resource to business and agriculture, and a source of recreation.

Water pollution and drought threaten these things. Therefore it is critical that our rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands and groundwater are managed properly. This ensures the needs of society, the economy and wildlife can be met and maintained over the long-term.

River basin planning provides an overarching strategic framework for managing that water environment. River basin management plans include the objectives and actions required to protect and improve the water environment. Water and land resources are closely linked and so river basin management plans also inform decisions on land-use planning and work alongside other strategies, such as flood risk management plans.

Why We Are Consulting

The current river basin management plans were published in February 2016 and must be reviewed and updated by the end of 2021. Starting in 2018, there will be three consultations that will help shape the updated plans.