Following recent rainfall in the lower Murray, the NSW Government will provide a one-off 20 per cent increase in supplementary water allocations for water users in the Murray system to provide additional access to water for farmers.
It’s just one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is delivering practical support to help farmers manage ongoing pressures associated with rising fuel and supply chain costs, as well as the impact of Federal Government decisions to engage in water buybacks across the region.
The decision makes use of water from uncontrolled flows that are available in the system now but cannot be captured and stored for future use.
Up to 50 gigalitres could be made available for irrigators and environmental water holders that hold supplementary access licences.
Water use in the Murray remains well below the sustainable diversion limits set under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, ensuring the additional access remains within the limits established to protect the long-term environmental health of the river system.
The increase is a one-off decision in response to the current wet conditions in the Murray system and in recognition of the challenges facing the agricultural industry.
The NSW Government has also asked the Department to consider the longer-term arrangements for supplementary water access in the Murray and whether the current settings remain appropriate.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
“We know farmers in the Murray are doing it tough and when there is water available in the system that cannot be captured and stored for future use, we should look at how we can make the best use of it.
“That is what this decision does. It provides a one-off increase in access to uncontrolled flows while protecting water held in storage.
“This is water that is available in the river now and can be accessed without compromising important environmental requirements.
“We are making sensible use of water that is available in the river right now to provide a helping hand to our regional communities and farmers who are facing very real challenges.
“I have asked the Department to look at the longer-term settings for supplementary water access in the Murray so we can make sure the rules continue to strike the right balance for communities, industry and the environment.”
