Great Artesian Basin water sharing plan changes

Water users are encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to the Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources water sharing plan to make it consistent with other inland groundwater plans.

Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said these amendments would provide more opportunities for bore applications to be assessed according to local conditions.

"These plans are critical legal instruments which set out clear rules for the fair and equitable distribution of water for urban and commercial supply and the environment for a 10-year period.” Ms Howard said.

“While the plan has been in place since 2020, we’re now ironing out and streamlining the approvals process for new bores to provide greater flexibility and bring it in line with other groundwater plans across the state.

“This includes removing distance restrictions for basic landholder rights’ bores in the southern and eastern recharge groundwater sources as this only represents a small volume of water taken.

“In the Central, Warrego and Surat groundwater sources, we recommend keeping distance restrictions in place, but that ministerial discretion can be used to consider a lesser distance in certain circumstances if it has minimal impact on other bores.

“The Great Artesian Basin is the country’s most significant groundwater system. It is important to ensure the changes we make maintain the balance of protecting this critical resource, while supporting our water users.

“We take the views of local people seriously particularly when it comes to updating our water sharing plans, which is why I encourage everyone to have their say over the next 40 days on these small, but important changes.”

People can provide their feedback online at NSW Great Artesian Basin water sharing plan.

There will also be a webinar and Q&A session on 7 September and locals can organise a one-on-one phone call which will explain the proposed changes in more depth.