Panel reviews Barwon Darling connectivity
The NSW Government has set up an independent expert panel to provide feedback on work being carried out to improve connectivity and flows in the Barwon Darling.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the panel will provide certainty by putting an independent lens on work being undertaken by the Department of Planning and Environment to improve the health of the Barwon Darling after drought and low flows.
“This is about making sure that any rule changes we make to water sharing plans in the Barwon Darling, and its tributaries the Border Rivers, Gwydir, Namoi, and Macquarie, are informed and robust to deliver better outcomes for regional communities, “Ms Jackson said.
“With another El Nino just around the corner, it has never been more important to look at how we share and manage water before, during and after droughts.
“I have established a cross section of experts including an environmentalist, hydrologist, economist, water management expert and First Nations representative to look closely at the work being done to improve the health of the river and environment after dry periods.
“This includes how much water can be taken along the system during the first flows following a drought, as well as triggers for allowing floodplain harvesting to occur and access to supplementary water.
“The panel will also review flow triggers in upstream catchments to help support algal suppression and fish migration in the Barwon Darling.
“It is important we prioritise the environment and residents in the first couple of weeks after a drought when high flows return to ensure there is water in the Menindee Lakes for the downstream environment, town supply and basic rights.”
A replacement Barwon Darling Water Sharing Plan must be finalised by June 2025 along with amendments to the tributary plans.
The panel members include:
- Ms Amy Dula - Chair (Director of Programs Natural Resources Commission)
- Professor Phil Duncan (First Nations representative, Galambany Professional Fellow, Acting CEO, EPIC CRC)
- Dr Mark Southwell (Principal River Scientist, 2rog Consulting)
- Dr Phil Townsend (Senior Economic Analyst)
- Mr Cameron Smith (Principal Water Engineer, Cleah Consulting)
- Professor Fran Sheldon (Head of the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University).
The panel will meet three times this year, with their first meeting scheduled for Monday 4 September and will provide the final report to Minister Jackson by early 2024.
A Probity Adviser has been appointed to oversee the expert panel process.
