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

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

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.

The Water Regulator is continuing to shepherd environmental water flows released from the northern Murray-Darling Basin.