New water sharing plans for Northern Rivers

New water sharing plans are now in effect for the Richmond and Tweed River communities, setting out a clear pathway for fair and equitable water use for towns, irrigators, businesses and the environment over the next decade.

Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said it has never been more important to have a robust water sharing framework in place.

“There is already immense pressure on resources in the Northern Rivers with farmers, local industries, tourism and a growing population relying on a finite amount of water which is why these plans play a vital role in managing water use,” Ms Howard said.

“The Northern Rivers has been at the mercy of severe drought and floods, and with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a return to drought conditions in the second half of 2023, it is critical we know where every drop is going in both wet and dry times.

“We are legally obliged to replace water sharing plans every 10 years, so we have simplified the plans and added new coastal floodplain alluvial groundwater sources, maps, and clearer language, to make it easier for water users to understand and comply with the requirements.

“This means we can continue to protect basic landholder rights, cultural needs and water for the environment while setting limits on how much water can be taken.

“We also recognise the impact of the floods in the Northern Rivers was devastating and some towns bore the brunt of the natural disaster more than others. It is why we did not expect residents in the Richmond Valley to engage in community consultation when their priority was flood recovery.

“As a result, we have not changed daily access rules in the Richmond River water sharing plan at this time.

“A review into the daily access rules in the Richmond River area will be revisited within 5 years when the community is in a better position to participate in robust discussions.”

Water Sharing Plans have a 10-year lifespan and are audited every 5 years to ensure they’re working appropriately and effectively and are achieving their objectives. Upon review, they are either extended if no changes are needed or replaced.

To view the water sharing plans and learn more, visit watering sharing plans.