The NSW Government’s controversial water-sharing plan is seeking feedback from communities who use the river most. Photo: Chris Roe.
Communities with access to the Murrumbidgee River are being urged to share their insight into a new draft Murrumbidgee Unregulated River water-sharing plan by the NSW Government.
Community members can lodge submissions from 4 November until 13 December.
The draft plan sets out rules for the fair and sustainable sharing of surface water among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.
A NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) spokesperson said the draft submission included setting limits on how much water could be taken, protecting resources for the environment, ensuring basic landholder rights and social and cultural needs were met and providing secure and tradeable water access rights.
“We’re inviting the Murrumbidgee community to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on Friday 13 December,” they said.
“We’ll be holding a webinar on Tuesday 12 November at 12:30 pm, where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.
“Face-to-face meetings will also be held on Thursday 21 November in Cooma from 3 pm to 5 pm and in Griffith on 19 November from 10 am to 12 pm.
“Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week of 11 November.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said the water-sharing plans were vital tools for managing the state’s water resources, and that the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River 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,” he said.
“We want a plan that works to protect basic landholder rights, social and cultural needs and provides water for the environment. We need to set limits on how much water can be taken to help ensure our rivers, aquifers and waterways remain healthy and resilient.
“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.
“In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protection 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 plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.
“Submissions are open until 13 December, and we invite everyone to have their say.”
To register for a session and make a submission, visit the government website.
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