Feedback wanted on Murray Unregulated Water Sharing Plan

Water users are being encouraged to have their say on the draft replacement Murray Unregulated Water Sharing Plan (WSP), which proposes greater protections for wetlands and more opportunities for trade between water sources.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Water Planning, Giselle Howard said feedback from local communities will help shape a robust framework that will strike the right balance between the needs of the environment, town supply, agriculture and industry.

“We’ve included protection measures for over 150 wetlands in this region which are vital to the prosperity of threatened flora and fauna, including our native wildlife and migratory birds,” Ms Howard said.

“The draft plan has proposed to prevent new water supply works within the wetlands and prohibit new in-river dams on major streams in the Murray Below Mulwala floodplain, which makes up two- thirds of the water sharing plan area.

“After a thorough reassessment of environmental factors and trading rules, we have also recommended creating limited trade opportunities between most water sources to bolster economic activity, without compromising environmental outcomes.

“Legally we have to replace these plans every 10 years to make sure there is a fair and sustainable division of water while considering current and future climate factors including floods and droughts.

“Although these changes are minor, they will play an important role in helping us to better protect the area’s resources, including wetlands for future generations.”

The draft plan also provides a new cease-to-pump rule in upper Mannus Creek, west of Tumbarumba.

The Murray WSP borders Victoria and stretches across 20,500 square kilometres, from the Australian Alps and Albury to Moulamein in the west.

Feedback can be provided until midnight Friday 17 November.

There will also be an online information session and three face-to-face consultations in October to help people get up to speed with the proposed changes.

All responses will be carefully reviewed and considered before the final replacement plan comes into effect on 1 July 2024.

For more information visit: Draft replacement Water Sharing Plan for the Murray Unregulated River Water Sources