Have a say on the Richmond River Water Sharing Plan

The NSW Government is welcoming feedback on the draft Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan, a framework that provides for more equitable and sustainable water use in the region over the next decade.

Executive Director of Water Planning, Giselle Howard said it is a chance for water users and other stakeholders to make their voices heard and help the government finesse the plan, so it strikes the right balance between supporting community, industry and environmental needs.

“Water Sharing Plans are legal instruments that must be replaced every ten years. However, the 2022 floods have hit the community hard which is why we’re keeping changes to a minimum and not proposing any short-term adjustments to daily access rules,” Ms Howard said.

“We understand the continued flood recovery effort may limit the ability for people to give feedback, so we’ve extended the exhibition period from 40 to 60 days. We’ve also added a webinar and targeted consultation sessions in Kyogle, Casino, Ballina and Wollongbar to ensure we can reach as many people as possible.”

The draft plan continues to protect basic landholder rights, cultural needs, and water for the environment, and sets limits on how much water can be taken.

“Prior to these devastating floods, the Richmond River region experienced the most extreme drought ever recorded, along with catastrophic bushfires, which has shown that the way we manage water has never been more important,” Ms Howard said.

“We’re putting the call out to First Nations people, residents, businesses and local governments to get involved so we can deliver the best outcomes for everyone.

“Our aim is to make the transition from the existing Water Sharing Plan to the new one as seamless as possible, while still looking at making improvements where necessary.”

The NSW Government will seek to engage with the community within the next five years on daily access rule changes, once the region has recovered from the floods.

The public will have until 18 December 2022 to submit feedback. An online webinar will be held on 9 November, followed by four face-to-face information sessions that will also provide the community an opportunity to consult on the draft Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy, on public exhibition shortly:

• Monday 14 November – Kyogle Golf Club
• Wednesday 16 November – Returned Servicemen’s Memorial Club, Casino
• Thursday 17 November – Department of Primary Industries Office, Wollongbar
• Friday 18 November – Ballina RSL Club

Every submission will be considered carefully before the final Water Sharing Plan comes into effect on 1 July 2023.

To read the plan and register your interest for the information sessions visit Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan.