Community notice: Wilcannia Weir upgrade consultation commences

The NSW Department of Industry – Lands and Water is pleased to advise that the business case and scoping study for the upgrade of Wilcannia Weir that were completed in 2016 are now available for review at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/wilcannia-weir along with a summary document.

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have committed up to $30 million for the Wilcannia Weir upgrade which was announced in mid-November, and is part of the Government’s commitment to improve outcomes for Basin Aboriginal communities.

The NSW Government recognises that this project goes beyond just providing drinking water which is why it is commencing a consultation process with the community to confirm the preferred option for the upgrade of Wilcannia Weir.

This Weir will be a place for the Wilcannia community to swim, fish and celebrate the cultural traditions it holds dear. The government has engaged a specialist indigenous community engagement consultant ‘Big River’ to manage the consultations.

The first of these consultations will take the form of an initial ‘meet and greet’, and the consultation team will be in Wilcannia from 15-17 January 2019 to hold some preliminary conversations with the indigenous community, stakeholder groups and the broader community.

More detailed discussions and community stakeholder interviews will be held between 5 - 7 February 2019 once the community has had an opportunity to review the available information.

Community drop in sessions will be held on Wednesday 6 February between 12.00pm - 2.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.00pm at the Central Darling Shire Council chambers in Wilcannia. All are welcome to attend to discuss options with the project team.

These meetings provide an opportunity for the community to talk to experts, learn more about the proposed changes and discuss their concerns.

It is expected that the preferred location and design of the weir will be confirmed by mid next year following consultation with the community. Concept designs and environmental assessments will commence following confirmation of a preferred option.

More detailed information on the project can be found on the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website or by visiting www.industry.nsw.gov.au/wilcannia-weir/

If you would like to contact the consultation team, you can call 1800 837 445 or email wilcannia@brii.com.au.