The draft Lachlan 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 the rules for water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade, and 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.
Giselle Howard, NSW Executive Director of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, says water sharing plans are vital tools for managing our state’s water resources.
“We want to hear your feedback on the draft plan now so we can continue to manage the region’s water fairly and sustainably over the next 10 years," Ms Howard said.
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“We want a plan that works well for the Lachlan 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."
Community members are urged to read the draft plan and make a submission before public exhibition ends on December 20.
The Department of Climate
We’ll be holding a webinar on 28 November from 2pm to 3pm, where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.
Face-to-face drop-in sessions will be held in Crookwell on 3 December between 10am and 12pm and in Cowra on 4 December between 10am and 12pm.
Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 18 November.
The draft includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with the 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.
We want to hear the community’s views on these changes and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the draft 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 it is working effectively and appropriately.
To register for a session and to make a submission, visit: https://water.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-water-sharing-plan
“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," Ms Howard said.
“Submissions are open until 20 December, and we invite everyone to have their say.”
