Start of public exhibition for Lachlan Alluvium Water Resource Plan

The NSW Government launched the first of 20 NSW water resource plans on public exhibition today.

Department of Industry – Water Director, Rachel Connell said the draft Lachlan Alluvium Water Resource Plan; that covers the alluvial groundwater resources of the Lower Lachlan Valley, the Upper Lachlan and its tributaries, and the Belubula Valley, will be on public exhibition for six weeks.

“Water resource plans are a key requirement of the Commonwealth Basin Plan 2012 with 20 water resource plans currently being finalised in NSW.  Consultation is an essential part of developing and finalising these plans.

“Lachlan groundwater users can now go online, review the draft plan and provide feedback. They are also encouraged to attend any of the three public information and feedback sessions happening next month.

“Previous consultation on water resource plans included the opportunity for community feedback on a status and issues paper, targeted consultation with water user groups and the Groundwater Stakeholder Advisory Panel.

“Water resource plans outline how each region aims to achieve community, environmental, economic and cultural outcomes and ensure that state water management rules meet the Basin Plan objectives.

The draft Lachlan Alluvium Water Resource Plan and draft Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Groundwater Sources 2019 will be on public exhibition until 6 November 2018.

Public information and feedback sessions are being held in Forbes on the 23 October, Hillston on the 31 October and Cowra on the 1 November.

For further information about the sessions, and to view the plans and give feedback, visit the Department of Industry website here.