Two new projects will contribute to the Northern Australia Water Futures Assessment program by improving our management of rivers and water resources in northern Australia, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong announced today.

As part of the Australian Government’s response to the Final Report of the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce, $2.4 million will be invested in two new projects designed to increase understanding of northern Australia’s rivers and water resources, and guide land and water resource planning.

In addition to restoring the health of the Murray Darling Basin and securing water supplies for our cities and towns, the Rudd Government is also ensuring that past mistakes in the Basin are not repeated in northern Australia.

“These two projects will help to ensure that future water resource development across northern Australia is environmentally, culturally and economically sustainable,” Senator Wong said.

The first project will help communities plan their land and water use in a way that limits the risk to environmentally vulnerable sites.

The second project will examine social and cultural values that are closely linked to rivers and water resources.

“These projects are in line with recommendations in the Report which call for increased government investment in measures that support water use planning and local decision making,” said Senator Wong.

Funding for the projects is being provided under the National Water Commission's $250 million Raising National Water Standards Program.

Further information on the projects can be found on the National Water Commission website at www.nwc.gov.au