The NSW Government has approved replacement water sharing plans for six regions across the state.

Today’s mostly full opening water allocations reflect the state’s continued good water availability following consecutive wet years. This is good news for licenced water users, who will see most entitlements nearing maximum allowable levels.

With the recent heavy rain across the state and additional rain expected in coming weeks, the NSW Government is continuing to prioritise the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme.

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced the draft replacement water sharing plan for the Central Coast area has been placed on public exhibition for community feedback.

The department announced an embargo on in-river dams within the Ourimbah Creek and Jilliby Jilliby Creek water sources.

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.

New water sharing plan rules to protect water for the environment and river connectivity are proposed to commence on 1 July and 1 December.

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.

The NSW Government has announced the Water Sharing Plan for the Great Artesian Basin is now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The continuing severity of the drought has been reflected in the reduced, low or no water allocations for most NSW licensed regulated river water users announced today.

The NSW Government is committed to the sustainable and equitable management of the State’s water resources, including strong and effective compliance.