Water Sharing Plans: A Missed Opportunity for Wetland Conservation

The NSW Government’s rushed process to gazette nearly 1,000 wetlands on private properties has drawn criticism from farmers and environmental stakeholders. The desktop mapping approach, riddled with inaccuracies, has sidelined landholder collaboration and risks alienating those critical to achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.

Concerns from the NSW Irrigators’ Council the valley maps with a crayon, scribbling wetlands all over them without actually visiting the regions or engaging meaningfully with those on the ground.”

Claire Miller, CEO of the NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC), described the process as a “top-down approach” that is building resentment instead of fostering goodwill.

“The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is building resentment rather than cultivating goodwill with its rushed consultation process on seven inland water sharing plans,” Ms. Miller said.

Impact on Farmers Farmers are now burdened with the responsibility of proving inaccuracies in the mapping by 2 February 2025. Many landholders argue that the process is not only scientifcally indefensible but also unfair.

“Where there are indeed signifcant wetlands, the landholder has been doing something right to maintain its values. They should be supported, not threatened with implicit future changes in water access rules and allowable production,” Miller stated.

Wetlands Gazette a. Delay gazetting wetlands in water sharing plans for three years to correct mapping errors.

2. Ground-Truth All Sites a. Conduct on-theground verifcation of wetlands to ensure accuracy.

3. Partner with Landholders a. Develop a voluntary partnership program with landholders to identify and protect genuine wetlands, supported by funding for conservation measures.

Draft Water Sharing Plans Under Review

The seven draft valley water sharing plans include:

• Unregulated Murrumbidgee Valley ground-truthing of wetland maps.

A Collaborative Approach for Better Outcomes

NSWIC’s submission emphasizes the importance of partnership between governments and landholders.

“Farmers have proven they are willing partners in environmental rehabilitation. This top-down, desktop approach ignores local expertise and misses the opportunity to achieve real outcomes.”

The submission proposes a three-year review period to address mapping errors, clarify legal ramifcations, and create voluntary conservation initiatives.

The Path Forward

• Unregulated Lachlan Valley

• Barwon-Darling

• Unregulated Belubula Valley

• Unregulated Gwydir Valley

• Unregulated Macquarie/Wambuul Valley

Miller criticized the reliance on remote sensing and desktop research, which has inaccurately classifed prime agricultural land as wetlands.

“It’s as if the Department took to

Farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for their efforts in maintaining the ecological values of wetlands. Many have proven to be willing partners in environmental rehabilitation, contributing to measures such as fencing, weed control, and revegetation.

NSWIC’s Call for Action

The NSWIC is urging the NSW Government to:

1. Postpone the

• Unregulated Namoi/ Peel Valley

Additionally, NSWIC has called for amendments to the 2024 Border Rivers Unregulated Water Sharing Plan to incorporate proper

With over 93% of wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin located on private property, effective conservation requires collaboration rather than confict. By working with landholders and leveraging their expertise, the NSW Government has an opportunity to balance environmental goals with agricultural needs, ensuring sustainable outcomes for both.

For more details, view the NSWIC submission on their website.

In Memoriam

In loving memory of Francis John “Frank” Black 04 Jan 1927 - 09 Jan 2025 Late of Numulgi

Passed away peacefully at a Nursing Home on Thursday 9th January 2025. Loving Husband of Jessie (Dec’d). Devoted Father and Father in Law of Trevor & Lynette, Glenn & Sharyn, Warren & Myee, Colin & Jane, Darren & Lyndall, Linda & Paul. Cherished “Poppy” of all his Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.

Will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Aged 98 Years

“Dancing with Jessie in Heaven”

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Frank’s Funeral Service to be held at St Andrews Anglican Church, 10 Zadoc St Lismore on Tuesday 21st January 2025, commencing at 10:00am.

At the conclusion of the Church Service, a private burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations are invited to the Numulgi Hall and a collection box for this purpose, will be at the Church door.

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