Providing independent expert advice
In September 2023, the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Water convened the Connectivity Expert Panel (the panel) to review the analyses the department has undertaken and to provide an independent assessment of its adequacy.
The panel is providing independent advice to the Minister for Water for her consideration and as such is not Government policy.
The scope of the panel’s review can be found in the:
Report
In April 2024 the panel released an report outlining its interim findings and recommendations. The panel will provide its final report to the Minister on 7 July 2024.
Download the interim report (PDF. 2,200KB)The panel presented their interim findings and recommendations at two public webinars.
Should you wish to contact the panel about the draft report, please email connectivity.feedback@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Webinars
Connectivity Expert Panel interim findings and recommendations
Watch the webinar from 3 May 2024.
Connectivity Expert Panel interim findings and recommendations
Watch the webinar from 1 May 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Some frequently asked questions arose from the webinars.
Download the frequently asked questions (PDF. 186KB)Panel members
The panel members are:
Ms Amy Dula
Chair
Director of Programs, Natural Resources Commission
Professor Phil Duncan
First Nations representative, Galambany Professional Fellow, Acting CEO, EPIC CRC
Professor Fran Sheldon
Head of School, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University
Dr Mark Southwell
Principal River Scientist, 2rog Consulting
Dr Phil Townsend
Senior Economic Analyst
Mr Cameron Smith
Principal Water Engineer, Cleah Consulting
The panel will provide its final report and recommendations to the Minister on 7 July 2024. The department will review the panel’s findings and recommendations and consider next steps.
The department will follow the usual processes to make any water sharing plan amendments in response to the panel’s recommendations. This will include public consultation on the proposed amendments.
The department is taking action to improve water flowing across the connected catchments of the northern NSW Murray Basin at important times part of the Northern Basin Connectivity Program. This work is building on the significant analyses and consultation that occurred as part of developing the Western Regional Water Strategy.