The NSW Government will begin delivering a flush of water from the upper Menindee Lakes through the lower Darling-Baaka River this week to help clear the current infestation of blue-green algae impacting local communities.

The Australian and New South Wales Labor governments have committed $21.5 million to lock in long-term water quality infrastructure in three communities in the state’s Far West.

Construction is underway to upgrade the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant as part of an overhaul of wastewater services across Bellingen Shire’s coastal communities to ensure they’re equipped with infrastructure for the future that will deliver the

Armidale’s one step closer to securing an upgraded sewage treatment plant, with design work underway to overhaul the current facility thanks to over $1.2 million being invested by the NSW Government and Armidale Regional Council.

Singleton is one step closer to an upgraded sewage treatment plant with the NSW Government investing $176,250 to complete design work and progress the project to tender ready stage.

The $19 million Gundagai Sewerage Treatment Plant upgrade has been completed, providing modern sewerage services to the town’s residents and visitors.

The NSW Government has reaffirmed its opposition to non-strategic water buybacks being used to meet water recovery targets as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

The opening water allocations for NSW licenced water users reflect the significant turnaround from drought conditions to an abundance of water across the state.

Today’s water allocations announced by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for licensed water users reflect some improvement in resource availability, particularly for towns and high priority entitlements.

Two landholders from the Walgett area will face 14 charges in the Land and Environment Court for breaches of water laws in 2016 and 2017.

An independent review of the MDBA modelling of constraints has commenced following the appointment of an expert panel based on terms of reference by the Victorian and NSW water ministers.

Given the drought is intensifying across the state, the NSW Government continues to implement drought management measures in consultation with communities.