PM Transcripts

CABINET
-, AUSTRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 12 February 1978
NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME
The Prime Minister has written to State Premiers inviting
them to nominate projects for consideration under the five
year national water resources programme.
The Commonwealth government is to contribute $ 200 million
during this period and is seeking the Premiers' agreement to
contribute equally with the Commonwealth in the programme in
their States.
The Government's intention to introduce this programme was
announced before the recent election.
The programme will encompass the provision of funds to the
States, in grants and/ or loans, for programmes, projects or
activities for:
1. water supplies for urban and rural areas, including
re-use 7:
2. flood mitigation, land drainage and floodplain management
proposals;
3. proposals to deal with problems which represent a serious
threat to the long-term use of existing water resources,
with emphasis on water quality management, particularly
salinity control;
4. water resources assessment and research; and
planning and management investigations of broad regional
scope.
Projects eligible for consideration under the programme include
water conservation and supply, flood mitigation, water quality
management, resources assessment and research.
The programme will reflect merits of proposals and State priorities
and will apply to both city and country projects.
It is anticipated that the Commonwealth will begin considering
proposals from the States before the presentation of the next
Budget so that the programme can commence in 1978/ 79.
oo0o0oo--