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		CSD080042 Attach C - explanatory statement LEB IGA (2)
		17-2-09
LAKE EYRE BASIN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT  BILL 
SERIAL NO. 31

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE
NORTHERN TERRITORY

MINISTER FOR  NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

GENERAL OUTLINE

The Lake Eyre Basin covers about 1.2 million square kilometres, almost one-sixth of Australia, and is one of the world's largest internally draining river systems. The arid rivers of the Basin also rank among the world's last unregulated dryland rivers, and are home to a 'boom-and-bust' ecology adapted to enormously variable flow conditions. The Basin supports a range of nationally important natural, social and economic values. 

The Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement is a joint undertaking of the Australian, Queensland, South Australian and Northern Territory Governments, in close communication with the Basin community and with the assistance of world class scientific and technical advice. The purpose of the Agreement is to ensure the sustainability of the Lake Eyre Basin river systems, in particular to avoid or eliminate cross-border impacts.

This gives formal effect to the Intergovernmental Agreement in the Northern Territory.

NOTES ON CLAUSES

Clause 1.	Short Title

This is a formal clause which provides for the citation of the Bill.  The Bill when passed may be cited as the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement Act 2009.

Clause 2.	Commencement

This Act commences on the date fixed by the Administrator by
Gazette notice.

Clause 3.	Definitions

Defines various terms.

Clause 4.	Approval and ratification of agreement

The principal purpose of the Act is for the Northern Territory to approve and ratify the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement.

Clause 5.	Facilitation of agreement

This clause authorises the Minister, agencies and instrumentalities of the Territory to do anything reasonably necessary to ensure performance and observance of the Agreement.  Financial contribution by the Territory is clearly spelt out in the Agreement and is subject to availability of appropriation.  Actions under the Agreement are determined by the Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum.