Public comment sought on draft Macquarie Floodplain Management Plan

Floodplain landholders and the community are invited to comment on the draft Macquarie Valley Floodplain Management Plan, Rachel Connell, Executive Director – Water, Department of Industry announced today.

“The purpose of the draft Macquarie valley plan is to manage the development of flood works on the floodplain. It will include management zones, rules and assessment criteria for granting or amending approvals for flood works within the plan area.

“The draft plan proposes minimal change for landholders, building on current practices through improved technical knowledge and understanding to achieve a simplified approvals process for new and amended flood works.

“It is designed to manage the risk to life and property from the effects of flooding and protect and maintain flood connectivity to flood-dependent ecological and cultural features of the floodplain and is the last of six floodplain management plans being prepared across the northern valleys in NSW's Murray–Darling Basin,” she said.

Ms Connell said the department is also currently undertaking a process to licence floodplain harvesting through the NSW Healthy Floodplains Project, which is separate from the development of floodplain management plans.

“I would urge those interested to review the draft Macquarie valley plan and make comment to ensure the final plan deals with local issues in a practical way,” Ms Connell said.

People wishing to view the draft plan can do so by accessing the NSW Government Have Your Say website, Department of Industry website, or view plan packages at the Warren Shire Council, Quambone General Store, Narromine Shire Council, Bogan Shire Library, Carinda General Store, Trangie Library, and the Marra Creek Public School. Public comment closes on 13 September 2018.

The development of the draft Macquarie valley plan has been overseen by an Interagency Regional Panel incorporating representatives from the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries and Agriculture), Department of Industry - Water, and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

Funding for this project is provided under the Australian Government’s Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program as part of the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in NSW.