The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has announced the sale of up to up to 15 gigalitres (GL) of annual water allocations in the Gwydir catchment in New South Wales.
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Dr Simon Banks said the Gwydir catchment has an adequate volume of environmental water available for the 2026-27 water year.
“As part of our due diligence process we have analysed the amount of water for the environment needed in the Gwydir catchment for the 2026-27 year and found even in a very dry scenario we will hold sufficient volumes to achieve the environmental outcomes we are seeking. We would also be able to carryover water into the 2027-28 year.
“It is important to note that this is a sale of annual water allocations, not permanent entitlements.
“To get the most out of the water allocations, I have decided to sell up to 15 GL. The proceeds of this trade can be used for environmental projects that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental water delivery – everything from the installation of fishways to wetland rehabilitation to flow improvements via water infrastructure.
“An advantage of our Environmental Activities program is that we partner with other agencies and organisations to provide funding so the dollar value of projects is increased which in turn increases environmental outcomes,” Dr Banks said.
The sale via competitive tender, opens at Tuesday 29 September, 2026, at 10am and will close at 5pm on Thursday 1 October. The details of the sale can be found at Water trading.
The proceeds of this trade must be used to:
- fund environmental activities to improve the delivery of environmental water and maximise environmental outcomes and support cultural connections and/or
- purchase water to meet environmental needs in other valleys.
Dr Banks said selling water is one tool in the toolkit in his role as CEWH.
“I am able to trade water allocations if this achieves better environmental outcomes and provides value for money. Ultimately I am working to value every drop of water and every dollar,” he said.
Dr Banks said since 2014, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has sold water allocations on 5 occasions and committed $11.5 million to activities which support the recovery of threatened species and improve wetland health.
