THE draft Namoi and Peel Unregulated Rivers water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.
The 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 along with 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 Namoi community is encouraged to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends December 13.
A webinar will be held on November 18 at 10.30am to 11.30am to give the community an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.
Face-to-face drop-in sessions will also be held November 26.
Manilla from 10am to 12 pm
Dungowan from 2pm to 4pm
Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 11 November.
The draft includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.
In some areas, there are proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Others include additional protections for specific wetlands in the region, including the Gulligal and Wee Waa Lagoons.
The plan also includes provisions to improve connectivity in the Northern Basin.
DCCEEW wants to hear the community’s views and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.
Plans are in place for 10 years and are audited after the first five years to ensure they are working effectively and appropriately.
To register for a session and to make a submission, visit: https://water.nsw.gov.au/namoi-peel-unregulated-water-sharing-plan
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 Namoi and Peel water sharing plan was 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 Namoi, 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 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 protecting the long-term health of our water resources and the vibrant ecosystems that rely on them.
“We invite everyone to have their say before submissions close on 13 December.”
