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- The Water Management Act 1999 was introduced, providing for the sustainable use and development of water resources. The Act supersedes statutory water management provisions in 13 other Acts. All existing water entitlements have been converted to licences and allocations under the Act.
- The Board of Environmental Management and Pollution Control has been setting Protected Environmental Values (PEVs) for surface waters since early 1999 as required by the State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997.
- Capping of water usage occurred in the South Esk basin with further work done on the Great Forester River to cap use and prevent water creep. Proposals are being considered to extend this type of exercise Statewide. Installation of water meters has also occurred in the South Esk basin as part of water management planning.
- Through the water infrastructure program in Tasmania, new water quality and water flow monitoring site installations are occurring.
- A new assessment process for dam construction permits under the Water Management Act 1999 has been established which applies to both to small and large storage construction.
- The National Heritage Trust has funded river rehabilitation projects in Tasmania as part of the National Rivercare Program. These have been coordinated through The Rivercare Team at DPIWE.
- The development of a strategic framework for improved management of the environmental protection of freshwater ecosystem values has commenced in Tasmania. The 'Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values Project' is part of the implementation of the Water Development Plan for Tasmania. This framework includes a program to identify freshwater ecosystem values in Tasmania and the development of a conservation system based on comprehensive, adequate and representative principles.
- A National Land and Water Resources Audit assessment was undertaken of the 'Condition and Status of Tasmania's Wetlands and Riparian Vegetation' (Dunn 2002).
- The National Land and Water Resources Audit compiled Tasmanian data on water quality and water quantity.
- A 'Wetlands Strategy for Tasmania Draft Discussion Paper' (DPIWE 2000) was prepared.
- The introduction of changes through the 'Vegetation Management Policy Framework' will provide benefits in relation to the land use effects on water. Initiatives include TASVEG mapping of forest and non-forest communities, the 'Permanent Forest Estate Policy', and the amendments under the Forest Practices Amendment Act 2001 relating to forest clearance other than for forest harvesting.
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