NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater

Proposed amendments to the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2020

This water sharing plan establishes rules for managing water in the NSW portion of the Great Artesian Basin, including placing limits on the total volume of water that can be extracted from the groundwater sources in the plan area.

Water sharing plans are subject to review every 10 years under the Water Management Act 2000. The current water sharing plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources was remade on 29 June 2020.

The department is proposing to amend the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2020. The proposed amendments seek to address unintended restrictions imposed on Basic Landholder Right (BLR) and other groundwater users.

The public exhibition period provided opportunities for stakeholders and interested parties to learn more about the proposed amendments to the current plan, and to make submissions and comment on the draft amendments. Feedback and issues raised during the public exhibition phase will be considered when finalising the amendments.

A summary of what we heard during public exhibition will now be developed and published on the department’s website when it is available.

Amendment of water sharing plans requires the concurrence of the Minister for the Environment and approval from the Minister for Water.

Pending concurrence and approval of the final amendment it is proposed to commence prior to 1 July 2024.

Fact sheet and map