NEW WATER SHARING PLANS FOR NORTHERN RIVERS

New water sharing plans are now in effect for the Richmond and Tweed River communities, setting out a clear pathway for fair and equitable water use for towns, irrigators, businesses and the environment over the next decade.

Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said it has never been more important to have a robust water sharing framework in place.

“There is already immense pressure on resources in the Northern Rivers with farmers, local industries, tourism and a growing population relying on a fnite amount of water which is why these plans play a vital role in managing water use,” Ms Howard said.

“The Northern Rivers has been at the mercy of severe drought and foods, and with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a return to drought conditions in the second half of 2023, it is critical we know where every drop is going in both wet and dry times.

“We are legally obliged to replace water sharing plans every 10 years, so we have simplifed the plans and added new coastal foodplain alluvial groundwater sources, maps, and clearer language, to make it easier for water users to understand and comply with the requirements.

“This means we can continue to protect basic landholder rights, cultural needs and water for the environment while setting limits on how much water can be taken.

“We also recognise the impact of the foods in the Northern Rivers was devastating and some towns bore the brunt of the natural disaster more than others. It is why we did not expect residents in the Richmond Valley to engage in community consultation when their priority was food recovery.

“As a result, we have not changed daily access rules in the Richmond River water sharing plan at this time.

“A review into the daily access rules in the Richmond River area will be revisited within 5 years when the community is in a better position to participate in robust discussions.”

Water Sharing Plans have a 10-year lifespan and are audited every 5 years to ensure they’re working appropriately and effectively and are achieving their objectives. Upon review, they are either extended if no changes are needed or replaced.

To view the water sharing plan and learn more, visit: https://www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/water/plansand-programs/watersharing-plans/status/ far-north-coast-region

Water Northern Rivers has welcomed the release of the fnal Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy by the Department of Environment and Planning.

Spokesperson, Jim Richardson, said the fnal Strategy clearly refected the extensive and in-depth consultations that had been undertaken since October 2020.

He noted that Key priorities in the strategy include:

Taking a holistic approach to land and water management

Improving our understanding of the region’s water resources Ensuring water resource development and use is sustainable and equitable Preparing for future climatic extremes

“This Strategy’s development has taken quite a while, and has required two rounds of consultation due to its complexity. Much of the work was carried out under the previous state government, and the fnal delivery has occurred under the current one, yet there is a consistency of themes and focus that demonstrates the Department has been evidence-driven, and also listening to the community.

After a long wait, our region’s communities now have a clear view of the plan to deliver water security, revive our water-ways, and address some of the challenges of climate change,” Mr. Richardson said. He stated that Water Northern Rivers