595 1 During June approx. 2.1GL of ECA water was delivered. 
In the 2025-26 water year GS began with 69% of entitlement, there were three allocation increments made resulting in total allocation of 67% for the 2025-26 year. There was a useage of approx 39% of entitlement (198GL). Supplementary access licences received 40% of entitlements (72GL).
Good rainfall early in the water year saw Copeton dam storage increase from a starting point of 53% to a leak of 82% with end of year capacity of 60%, 
The full statement is available here for the Gwydir Valley and here for the opening allocations for NSW regulated sources
]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/595/Water-allocation-update.png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/595/was-gwydir-20260707.pdf 2026-07-07 04:50:04 594 5
  1. IPART Pricing determination released
  2. Basin Plan: What We Heard report
  3. Non-urban metering update 
  4. NSW Auditor-General’s performance audit into water


The newsletter is available at the following link]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/594/NSWIC-post.png url https://mailchi.mp/d641d5d0eb79/nsw-irrigators-council-newsletter-10151621?e=1b3d93be9a 2026-07-03 07:22:21 593 7 Under FPH metering rules:
• Only storages and points of intake need meters
• Other works (such as channels and lift pumps) do not need meters
• These other works should be classified as constructed, as they as they are involved in taking floodplain harvesting.
This is different from non-urban metering rules, where most works that take water need a meter unless exempt. If an approval holder has a work that is on a Floodplain Harvesting Water Supply Works approval which is also on another non-floodplain harvesting approval – they may have different classifications because of the different rules.
The DCCEEW factsheet is available in the link]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/593/Policy-update-(1).png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/593/Works-Classification-FPH-Factsheet-July-2026.pdf 2026-07-03 05:24:32 592 1 Water Prices set to soar with over cumulative changes of 33% to 42% over next four years: 
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved water bill increases of almost 50 per cent, excluding inflation, across many NSW valleys over the next four years, despite acknowledging that many customers have limited capacity to absorb them.
Water bills in the Gwydir will increase between 7 and 10 per cent plus CPI each year for the next four years. This is a cumulative change of 33 to 42 per cent over the next four years. 
  •         Typical General Security bills will increase from $18,863 to $26,724 a 9.1 per cent annualised increase.
  •         Entitlement prices will incur an annualised increase of 9.9 per cent for General Security and 6.1 per cent for High Security.
  •         While usage prices will see and annualised 8.8 per cent increase.  
  •         Local Water Utilities in the Gwydir will also see increases.
The full media release is included in the link
]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/592/media-(1).png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/592/GVIA-Media-IPART-Determination-June2026_-final.pdf 2026-06-23 05:51:48 591 5 gvia@gvia.org.au if you have any questions. 

Current Tenders 2025-2026:

    • 1 x 38 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Tuesday 16th June 2026
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/591/Water-Trade.png page https://www.gvia.org.au/members/water-trade/ 2026-06-15 00:50:23     590 2
    WaterNSW have offered informal one on one sessions, by appointment so that each customer can discuss their specific concern and queries, and address any issues that may exist. This is a practical step by WaterNSW to try and help ensure everyone is ready to go when we get the next FPH opportunity.

    The planning is for the week of the 20 July either in Moree (at the GVIA office) or possibly at other sites if needed.

    Please contact gvia@gvia.org.au to arrange a meeting. Please include details as shown below such as Registration of Interest (ROI’s) and Work Approvals so we can start to plan sessions. 

    Please register by the end of the week 3 July Thank you
    ROI
    		 WA
    		 Name
    		 Mobile
    		 Email
    		 Preferred Location
     
    		  
    		  
    		  
    		  
    		  
     
    		  
    		  
    		  
    		  
    		  
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/590/Regulatory-Information.png none 2026-06-05 06:09:21     589 2 This is a leadership experience designed for people who care about the future of the Basin and the communities, industries and water dependent ecosystems it supports.

    You will join a diverse cohort of people from across regions, sectors and backgrounds.

    Together, you will build the skills, relationships and mindset to work through complexity, navigate difference and take action where it matters most. This includes engaging your communities, supporting informed dialogue about water use, and helping educate Australians about the Basin’s water resources and the pressures they face . Social Media on the program]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/589/MDBA-update.png url https://rural-leaders.org.au/murray-darling-basin-leadership-program/ 2026-06-05 05:13:36     588 1 Additional information is available in the link]]> https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/588/DSC_0936-river.jpg url https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/water-for-the-environment/catchments#/catchment/gwydir 2026-06-05 03:25:26 587 7 The appropriate classification for all active works included in a FPH entitlement is Constructed. Unfortunately the customer portal does not have this as an option yet.
    Please register on the portal, but please wait until it is updated to include the Constructed classification before classifying works associated with your FPH entitlement.
    In Summary:
    1. Storage Measurement - For approval holders who elect storage measurement, each active storage used to take FPH water will require metering. Each of these storages needs to be classified as constructed.
    2. Point-of-intake measurement - For approval holders who elect point-of-intake measurement, each pipe or pump that is used to take FPH water require metering. Each of these pipes or pumps needs to be classified as constructed
    3. Any other work on the statement of approval that is used to convey FPH water can also be classified as constructed. For example, channels, internal lift pumps, pipes, regulators or block dams*. These works can be classified as constructed and not require metering as the FPH rules specify only storages or point-of-intake require metering.
    We are working with DCCEEW and WaterNSW to get the classifications distributed to you and the portal updated as quickly as we can. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/587/Policy-update-(1).png none 2026-06-05 03:21:02     586 8 We have significant concerns about this program and the implications it has for members and the communities we live in. 
    The concept of connectivity should not be pursued by NSW in isolation from Queensland. This is a whole of basin concept and should be facilitated by balanced conversations with the MDBA. 
    GVIA members will be provided update in the coming weeks. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/586/Submissions.png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/586/May-2026-GVIA-NSW-connectivity-submission.pdf 2026-05-29 06:47:33     585 8 1. GVIA supports a 5% annual price cap (plus inflation), consistent with IPART's WAMC pricing decision and to balance affordability pressures facing irrigators already under significant net margin strain.
    a. We do NOT support the proposed 10% increase.
    2. A fundamental review of WaterNSW's operating model, regulatory framework and funding arrangements should be undertaken during the draft 3-year price determination period.
    3. No further WaterNSW pricing proposal(s) or IPART determination(s) be undertaken until the review is completed.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/585/Submissions.png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/585/GVIA-Submission_IPART-WaterNSW-Draft-Determination-May-2026.pdf 2026-05-29 06:40:28     584 5 NSWIC may newsletter. The topics covered in the newsletter include;
    FPH compliance update and NRAR media
    IPART pricing review
    Northern NSW connectivity program
    Easements inundation Bill and Changes to water take: attestation requirements
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/584/NSWIC-post.png url https://mailchi.mp/cf6d61037579/nsw-irrigators-council-newsletter-10150918?e=1b3d93be9a 2026-05-29 06:36:34     583 1 https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/583/DSC_0936-river.jpg none 2026-05-29 02:30:40 582 7 temporarily lifted as the upper Lakes at Menindee are above 250 GL
    The WSP states under Clause 51: Taking of water under floodplain harvesting (regulated river) access licences
    (3) The Minister must not announce that the taking of overland flow water is permitted if the volume of water stored in Menindee Lakes Storage is less than 195 gigalitres.
    This means that if your works approvals are fully compliant you are free to access FPH entitlement. 
    The WSP can be accessed here.
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/582/Regulatory-Information.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/allocations-and-availability/temporary-water-restrictions/various-water-sources-northern 2026-05-28 00:28:18     581 5 There will be a webinar on proposed changes on 3 June 2026 – click here to learn more and register.
    The public exhibition perior will close at 10am on Monday 15th June 2026.
    Attitional information is available on the department website. 
    The main area of concerns is associated with the introduction of a requirement for  access licence holders whose access licence has 3,000 or more unit shares or ML at the commencement of the water year to attest by 30 September to the volume of water taken in the previous water year.  We cannot support this regulation as we see it as unjustified and are actively working on this aspect of the draft regulation.
    I suggest members have a look at the fact sheet and that they attend the webinar. 

    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/581/Draft-Regulation-for-Review.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/about-us/legislation-and-policies/acts-and-regulations/water-management-general-regulation-2025 2026-05-20 04:44:03     580 1 Water NSW has provided the following information.


    "We recognise the potential for impacts to some landholders in the Gwydir, and are committed to operating in good faith and providing adequate advance notification of any future environment water releases that may affect landholders. 

    The environmental water holders will also continue to liaise with potentially impacted landholders, and provide information on the extent, timing, duration and purpose of their watering events. 

    To receive notifications from WaterNSW, please sign up to receive ‘environmental water release’ alerts through our Early Warning Network (EWN) platform.  "
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/580/Useful-Information_V2.png none 2026-05-20 04:35:31     579 1 Steph Cooke MP and our local member, shadow agricultural minister Brendan Moylan MP. 
    The media is related to the Water Management Amendment (Easements for Inundation) Bill 2026.
    The Opposition moved an amendment to provide for a statutory Deed of Release pathway as an alternative to enduring easements. This would have provided landholders with a more flexible, negotiated and reviewable mechanism, while still allowing environmental watering outcomes to be delivered responsibly. This amendment was not supported by Labor or the Greens. The Bill was rushed through the Legislative Council with the Greens' support on 7 May 2026.
    The Bill is now awaiting consideration by the Legislative Assembly, anticipated it may be brought on for debate in the coming days.

    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/579/media-(2).png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/579/Cooke-Moylan-med-rel-Farmers-face-permanent-flooding-under-controversial-inundation-Bill.pdf 2026-05-13 00:18:47     578 8

    1. The GVIA do not support any proposals that would impact on the reliability of allocation upstream or downstream of Menindee Lakes without comprehensive modelling of the benefits from any such proposal, supporting cost benefit analysis and full compensation.

    2. Any proposed changes such as connectivity reforms, operating rule changes, or structural reconfiguration are considered changes in Government policy, as such will be fully compensable.

    3. The MDBA prioritise investment in infrastructure at Menindee Lakes including upgrading Pamamaroo inlet regulator, installing a gated structure on weir 32 and implementing fish passage on main weir.

    4. These essential infrastructure upgrades are public good and should be funded by government.

    5. Climate change must be supported through adaptation rather than imposing prescriptive reductions in water reliability and allocations.
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/578/Submissions.png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/578/May-2026-GVIA-Menindee-Review-submission-Final.pdf 2026-05-05 03:41:41     577 8
    1. No more water from agriculture (by any means)
    If the MDBA or Government decide that they want any additional water for the environment, they must purchase it from the open market. We cannot accept rule changes as they are a form of compulsory acquisition in direct conflict with property rights.

    2. MDBA strongly reinforce the requirement that NSW government complete constraints in the Gwydir as required under the Northern Toolkit. This must involve 
    a. Investigation of strategic implementation of infrastructure (including levees to channel water through private land to the Ramsar site) in the Gwydir.
    b. Proactive work with impacted community members to complete constraints.

    3. MDBA urgently pursue a European Carp management strategy which ideally includes the use of Cyprinid herpesvirus-3, the Carp herpes virus.

    4. The MDBA investigate mechanisms to support implementation of infrastructure such as fish passage in a practical, transparent, cost-effective process.

    5. The GVIA support the MDBA position that 320GL water recovery in the Northern Basin is sufficient to satisfy the Environmentally Sustainable Level of Take (ESLT) requirements of the Water Act. ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/577/Submissions.png file https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/577/April-2026-GVIA-BR-discussion-submission_final.pdf 2026-05-05 03:37:47     576 1 * 72% of inflows now remain in rivers for the environment,
    * 1 in 3 Litres of water has been removed from farming since the 1990s
    * MDBA data shows 92% of environmental indicators would not improve with further water recovery.
    Today’s science shows that protecting river health is more than “just adding water”. There is no need for further reductions in the water for farming. It’s time to optimise existing investment and take practical, on ground action, including; tackling invasive species, restoring habitat, improving fish passage, and targeting barriers to healthy rivers.
    After decades of reform, communities and farmers need stability. This means no more changes to existing water limits (inc. SDLAM adjusted) and no more water recovery by any means.
    The pathway forward is a partnership with communities who live and work in the Basin - the Basin’s future depends on it.]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/576/NIC-update.png url https://www.irrigators.org.au/policy/murray-darling-basin-plan/2026-basin-plan-review/ 2026-04-24 00:02:21     575 1 These are designed to be extreme event policies, however the government have decided to apply the s324 as the active volume in the upper Menindee lakes has fallen below 250GL.
    We have argued against this and were able to get the relaxation triggers for FPH in line with those in the Gwydir WSP, a significant win. The restrictions in the Gwydir are as follows:
    Gwydir Regulated River Water Source
    • floodplain harvesting (regulated river) access licences {The relaxation triggers for FPH licences (as per those already in the WSP, linked to 195GL total storage)}
    • supplementary water access licences
    Gingham Watercourse Water Source
    • floodplain harvesting (unregulated river) access licences
    • unregulated river access licences
    Mallowa Creek Management Zone in the Mehi River Water Source
    • unregulated river access licences
    Full details of the restrictions are available on the department website link included]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/575/Embargo.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/twr-restrictions-by-valley-2026.pdf 2026-04-17 04:21:37     574 1 These storages  can be made active into the future if your situation changes. Please read the guide, and or watch the video. 
    Please follow the link included. Scroll down to the section Amend the works as not taking FPH water

    Amend - To ensure your approval is correct, it's your responsibility to confirm that your approval matches the works listed.
    Select Works that are classified as not taking licensed water
    To classify your work as not taking licensed water (water supply work or floodplain harvesting), please login or register in the Customer Portal and complete the ‘Amend the status of your work’ form.

    Please note: There may already be a pre-populated status for your work in the Customer Portal based on our records. If there isn’t a status pre-populated or the status selected is incorrect, please select the correct classification to describe your work.

    Further information: ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/574/Regulatory-Information.png none 2026-04-13 03:24:25     573 1
  • Customers will receive an email confirmation whether you are approved, rejected or require further information to complete the registration.
  • If the approval or licence belongs to a Business, you will need to create a business profile using the manage business function in your customer portal. A video guide is available here
  • WaterNSW will merge existing approvals and licences onto your profile in the portal, this may take up to 5 days
  • Customers will then receive an email notification to review and approve the LNK case in your profile, if something doesn’t look right, reply back to the email asap to have it rectified
  • The portal will provide all the necessary information (work ID, WAL, Works Approval etc).
  • Customers will also be able to see a map showing where the works are currently located.
  • If you need assistance, you can book a phone appointment with the WaterNSW team by clicking here or call 1300 662 077. You can also email licensing@waternsw.com.au for specific questions or assistance

    • ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/573/Useful-Information.png none 2026-04-13 03:20:15     572 5 Any work that is unclassified will be assumed to need a meter by default. Many unclassified works however will not need a meter, they will only need to be correctly classified. 
    Works can be correctly classified in the Water NSW customer Portal. The included links will help guide you through the portal. 

     
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/572/Useful-Information.png none 2026-04-08 06:18:09     571 5 wetlands map does not provide necessary detail for landholders, there still hasn't been consultation with impacted landholders, activities near prescribed wetlands is being impacted and provisions have been added to allow changes for policy that is non government.  
    Details are available on the government website link included. A summary of changes is available on the attached sheet. 
    ]]>     https://www.gvia.org.au/media/website_posts/571/Rule-Changes.png url https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/water-sharing-plans/gwydir-region#-gwydir-unregulated-river-water-sources-2026- 2026-04-07 00:54:03