Feedback sought on NSW fractured rock groundwater resource plan

NSW Deputy Secretary Water Jim Bentley today announced the draft Water Resource Plan for NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock areas has been placed on public exhibition for community feedback.

“This water resource plan is a key requirement of the Commonwealth’s Murray Darling Basin Plan.

“It outlines how groundwater resources of the Adelaide Fold Belt, Kanmantoo Fold Belt, Lachlan Fold Belt, New England Fold Belt, Inverell Basalt, Liverpool Ranges Basalt, Orange Basalt, Warrumbungle Basalt and Young Granite will be managed sustainably into the future.

“Fractured Rock groundwater users and the community are invited to submit any feedback on the draft plan online, and to also attend consultations on the plan in Gunnedah on 13 August, Orange on 14 August and Yass on 15 August,” Mr Bentley said.

The NSW Government has spent the past two years developing draft water resource plans and updating state water sharing plans while seeking community feedback along the way.

Eleven draft water resource plans have been released for public exhibition by NSW since late 2018. This is one of the nine remaining draft plans being released for public exhibition over the coming months.

“The NSW Government is committed to improved management of our state’s critical water resources to service the needs of our communities and agriculture sector,” Mr Bentley said.

“We also need to make sure we have a much stronger focus on the implementation of water resource plans.

“I am ensuring we have sufficient skilled resources to lead plan delivery and ongoing review.”

To learn more about the draft and how you can have your say, please visit: NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Water Resource Plan.

Consultation sessions will be held at the following locations:

  • Gunnedah: Tuesday, 13 August 2019, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, 313 Conadilly Street.
  • Orange: Wednesday, 14 August 2019, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Orange Ex-Services Club, 231-243 Anson Street.
  • Yass: Thursday, 15 August 2019, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Swaggers Motor Inn, 35 Laidlaw Street.

/Public Release. View in full here.