The Draft Gwydir Alluvium Water Resource Plan is one of the 20 Water Resource Plans that New South Wales will be publically exhibiting, and is now open for public comment.
Director Planning – Lands and Water Division Department of Industry, Vanessa O’Keefe, said the draft Gwydir Alluvium Water Resource Plan, which includes a new draft water sharing plan, covers groundwater within the main alluvial deposits associated with the Gwydir River approximately 20km downstream of Copeton Dam, continuing north-west through Bingara to Biniguy to approximately 45km west of Moree.
“Water resource plans are a key requirement of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan with 20 water resource plans currently being developed in NSW. Consultation with communities is an essential part of developing and finalising these plans. This has included consultation with First Nations within the plan area,” Ms O’Keefe said.
“Gwydir groundwater users can now go online, review the draft plan and provide feedback. They are also encouraged to attend any of the two public information and feedback sessions happening next month.
“Previous consultation on water resource plans included the opportunity for community feedback on a status and issues paper, targeted consultation with water user groups and the statewide Groundwater Stakeholder Advisory Panel.
“Water resource plans outline how each region aims to achieve community, environmental, economic and cultural outcomes and ensure that state water management rules meet the Basin Plan objectives.”
The draft Gwydir Alluvium Water Resource Plan, including the draft water sharing plan, will be on public exhibition until 14 December 2018.
Lauren Butler is the assistant editor for Utility Magazine. She’s based in Melbourne, Australia.
