Metro water sharing plans open for feedback

The NSW Government is inviting the community, water users and other key stakeholders to have their say on two draft replacement water sharing plans for Greater Sydney.

The Water Sharing Plan for the Greater Metropolitan Region Unregulated River Water Sources 2023 and the Water Sharing Plan for the Greater Metropolitan Region Groundwater Sources 2023 are on display for six weeks.

Executive Director of Water Planning, Giselle Howard, said water sharing plans are valid for 10 years once they’re finalised, so it is important the public is informed and has an opportunity to give feedback while the plans are in draft form.

“These plans have reached the end of their lifespans which is why we’re redrafting them using the latest evidence. We want contemporary plans that optimise how we share and manage water,” Ms Howard said.

“The unregulated river plan covers more than five million people across the Greater Sydney region - spanning from the Shoalhaven River catchment in the south to the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River catchments to the north and from the Upper Nepean and Upstream Warragamba catchments in the west to the coast.

“The groundwater plan contains 14 groundwater sources across the same geographic region as the unregulated river plan.

“We know these water sources are facing more challenges than ever before including more demand for water as cities and regions grow.

“These are urgent reminders that we must manage water resources smartly, fairly and equitably, in both wet and dry times.”

The plans are informed by the latest flow, gauge, rainfall and groundwater recharge data and will include new surface water modelling. They will also support proposals in the draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy to secure Sydney’s drinking supply.

In developing the unregulated river plan the NSW Government has:

• Reviewed access rules and exemptions based on the best scientific data
• Begun developing a new, easy to navigate system to give water users important up-to-date information about flow classes
• Reviewed water trading arrangements
• Optimised the way water is released from dams
• Improved Aboriginal people’s access to water through new licencing arrangements

In developing the groundwater plan the NSW Government has:

• Reviewed groundwater source boundaries
• Reviewed and revised estimates for rights, licences and extraction limits based on the best available scientific data
• Improved Aboriginal people’s access to groundwater through new licencing arrangements
• Reviewed access rules where there is strong connectivity with the overlying surface water resource
• Identified new, high-priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems which are home to unique plant and animal species

Ms Howard said the community’s input is crucial in developing plans that work for people, businesses and industries, as well as supporting healthy environments across Greater Sydney.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say so we can best manage water for the next 10 years and beyond,” Ms Howard said.

Three online webinars and 14 face-to-face consultation sessions covering both plans will be held across the region throughout June and July. Members of the public will have until 7 August 2022 to make submissions.

All feedback will be considered carefully before the final water sharing plans come into effect on or before 1 July 2023.

To read the draft water sharing plans, and for a list of consultation session dates and locations and to register your interest, visit: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/plans-programs/water-sharing-plans/recently-on-public-exhibition

Metro water sharing plans open for feedback.