THE draft Gwydir Unregulated River water-sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.
The draft plan sets out clear rules for fair and sustainable water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.
That includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, basic landholder rights and cultural needs and providing secure, legal, and tradeable water access rights.
It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.
The Gwydir community is invited to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on December 13.
A webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 12pm to 1pm where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.
A face-to-face drop-in session will also be held on Wednesday, November 27 in Bingara from 10am to 12pm.
Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 11 November.
The draft uses the latest data and includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.
In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protections for specific wetlands in the region.
The community’s views on these changes are invited and all feedback will be carefully considered before finalising the plan ahead of it going into effect on July 1, 2025.
Plans are in place for 10 years and are audited after the first five years to ensure they are working effectively and appropriately.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said water sharing plans are vital tools for managing the state’s water resources, and the Gwydir Unregulated River water-sharing plan is no exception.
“We want to hear your feedback on the draft now so we can continue to manage the region’s water fairly and sustainably over the next 10 years,” she said.
“We want a plan that works well for the entire Gwydir region, which means continuing to protect basic landholder rights, cultural needs and water for the environment, as well as setting limits on how much water can be taken to help ensure our rivers, aquifers and waterways remain healthy and resilient for the next generations.
“This is about making sure everyone gets their fair share while also protecting the long-term health of our water resources and the vibrant ecosystems that rely on them.
“Submissions are open until December 13, and we invite everyone to have their say.
To register for a session and make a submission, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/water-sharing-plans/public-exhibition/gwydir-unregulated-river-water-sources
