Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan

The Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan 2016-2026 was declared on 16 February 2016.

The plan is the second water allocation plan for the region. It has a lifespan of ten years and will be reviewed by 16 February 2021.

The plan sets out a framework for water management for the Amadeus Basin Aquifers aquifers and surface aquifers close to Alice Springs surface water in the Todd River catchment within the plan area in part of the Alice Springs Water Control District.

The surface water catchments and groundwater systems of the district are interconnected. Flows in the Todd River provide recharge to the Alice Springs Town Basin, Inner Farm Basin and Outer Farm Basin; and flows in Roe Creek, a tributary of the Todd, recharge the Wanngardi Basin and to a lesser extent the Mereenie aquifer.

Groundwater within this plan area is mainly used for public water supply in Alice Springs.

In accordance with the Water Act 1992, the plan must be reviewed within five years and a new plan is to be prepared after 10 years. As such, a review is scheduled for completion by 16 February 2021 and a new plan is to be prepared by 16 February 2026.

The  Alice Springs Plan Review Water Advisory Committee was established on 19 October 2020 to provide advice on the plan review. It continues the work of the Alice Springs Water Advisory Committee which was appointed by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources in November 2016.

To find out more information about the committee like membership, terms of reference and meeting records visit the web page.

There is an opportunity to be involved in the 5 year review of the plan. Visit the Alice Springs water allocation plan review “Have your say” page.