A NSW Government website

Water

Have your say on the South Coast Regional Water Strategy

The Department of Planning and Environment is calling on the community to have their say on the draft South Coast Regional Water Strategy for the second time.

Executive Director of Policy and Strategy, Kaia Hodge said the strategy has been refined thanks to feedback from the first round of consultation at the end of 2020.

“The draft strategy is now proposing 23 shortlisted actions to address the South Coast’s water-related challenges and support environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes,” Ms Hodge said.

“The region has many unique water issues, and no one understands them better than residents and local stakeholders, which is why it’s important that we hear directly from the community before it’s finalised.

“We’re aiming to address a range of concerns from declining catchment and river health, increased competition for water during dry periods, and saltwater intrusion, as well as Aboriginal people’s rights and access to water, and improving future water security for regional industries.”

The 23 proposed actions include:

  • Assessing the vulnerability of surface water supplies to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion
  • Better managing access to low river flows
  • Developing a river recovery program.

“These proposed actions take a holistic approach to land and water management, uphold sustainable and equitable development and use of water resources, to prepare for an increasingly variable climate.

“The draft strategy has also been informed by new climate data which predicts that the South Coast will experience more intense rainfall events and a decrease of winter rainfall by up to 30 per cent by 2060.”

This is one of 12 regional and two metropolitan water strategies across the state, that have been developed using the best and latest scientific evidence to ensure we can understand and mitigate risk even in the most extreme climate circumstances.

The draft South Coast strategy will be on display from 4 May to 1 June to give stakeholders and the wider community another opportunity to have their say.

We will also be hosting a webinar on 10 May to provide more information on the strategy which will include an opportunity to ask questions.

Face-to-face information sessions and First Nations community engagement will take place in Bega, Bodalla and Moruya in May 2022.

For more information and to register your attendance visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/south-coast-regional-water-strategy

Sun setting over Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.Attend a face-to-face information session and have your say on the South Coast Regional Water Strategy.