The Bureau of Meteorology advises that widespread rainfall, including possible heavy localised falls, is forecast across much of inland northern NSW river valleys over the next 12-18 hours.

There are reports of heavy rain in the Gwydir region which could lead to overland flows.

An independent panel commissioned to assess the management of the 2020 Northern Basin first flush event has released its final report, Secretary for the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Jim Betts has announced.

The first stage of the Independent Panel Assessment of the Management of the 2020 Northern Basin First Flush Event has been completed and a draft report is now available, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Jim Betts

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 panel will begin an assessment of the management of the first flush event in the Northern Basin earlier this year, the result of the first significant rainfall event in the region since 2016.

Reinstatement of restrictions to floodplain harvesting

The NSW Government has commenced public exhibition of the draft floodplain harvesting monitoring and auditing strategy and announced community meetings in Moree, Narrabri, Narromine, Bourke and Sydney next week.

The NSW Department of Industry – Water is reminding water users to register their interest in new groundwater allocation releases that are currently available at 41 sources across NSW.

Today’s water allocations for licensed water users in the Murray region reflect the ongoing dry conditions across much of the state.

Floodplain landholders and the community are invited to comment on the draft Macquarie Valley Floodplain Management Plan.