GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

News & Events

GVIA vice chair Jim Cush, who also farms in the NSW Border Rivers and the Namoi, is relieved the Healthy Floodplains project - established to oversee the licencing - is nearing its end.
"It's been a long time coming, especially considering it started with the River Management Committee discussions that committed to licencing during the development of our first water sharing plan in the early 2000s," he said.
"The Department is finally getting its act together."
Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association (GVIA) has welcomed the state government's commitment to moving forward with its management of overland flow with the release of draft accounting rules and floodplain licensing outcomes for the Border Rivers, the first of the five valley's.

NSW DPIE recently announced no further allocations for the Gwydir Valley.  Total water available remains at 37,000 megalitres  for general security  irrigation and 44 megalitres for environmental users after 5,000 megalitres of high security allocation was transferred into their general security account.  The essential supplies account is now 4,000 megalitres in deficit, which will need to be addressed prior to any new allocations.
Water NSW announced that unless conditions improve a single block release for general security allocations will be scheduled for 7 December and continue for approximately 28 days.  General security water will need to be stored on-farm as used as required.
(Photo: irrigated wheat prior to harvest, west Moree, NSW by Lou Gall).

Water NSW have reopened the bulk water delivery planning survey until 30 October 2020. Please take the time to complete this short survey to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) for any future supplementary events that occur this water year and to tell WaterNSW about your regulated river water requirements for the season ahead including stock and domestic needs. 

Do not complete this survey if you have already.  They will collate the information to help determine water requirements for the upcoming season.  With less than 37GL of water to deliver for irrigators, orders will be grouped together to limit losses and you will be required to take water in a block and store water on-farm, if you want to access it.  We will also work with environmental water users to coordinate where possible.

Urgent and due by 30 October 2020.

A reminder to members regarding their responsibilities for keep log books as part of the mandatory conditions for their licences, which can differ for Regulated, Unregulated and Groundwater users depending on the water source.  It is best that water users are familiar with these conditions, which can be accessed via searching the NSW Water Register and selecting the first search option and either searching your WAL or you licence number (90AL).  For more information visit our page.

Irrigation Australia has announced the first dates for the NSW subsidised storage meter installation and validation courses.  To ensure you have a compliant storage meter with the NSW Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy, your storage meter must be inspected and or new approved meter, installed by someone that has completed this course.  

There is an information session being held for installers and suppliers to learn more on Thursday, 22 October 2020 10:30am-12:30pm and you need to register online at https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/b01851.html  For more information visit Irrigation Australia website or review the Healthy Floodplains Measurement page.

Copeton Dam is at 16.3% capacity with all essential supplies reserved for two years.  General security and environmental allocations total 5.07% for the year with 38,000 megalitres available to irrigators and 39,000 megalitres available to environmental water users.  This does not include any allocation available as high security which is 13,000 megalitres for irrigators and 5,700 megalitres for environmental water users.

WaterNSW are intending to operate via one bulk delivery for general security customers - please complete the survey or contact WaterNSW to ensure your needs are considered.

Industry has developed a 'Metering Implementation Schedule' to capture your farm information in relation to surface water, groundwater and floodplain harvesting metering and measurement. Its purpose is two-fold and it is a priority for all water users that fall within the first metering deadline of 1 December 2020 and who have eligible floodplain harvesting ROIs. The document will capture data to inform industry progress, future timelines and existing measures in place to meter and measure take. 
There are no other government systems in place to capture this information and it is important indsutry, government and the community can collect data to understand the progress made towards NSW new metering rules and the market challenges in meeting them.  For this reason, we request you send the completed form back to your industry group for collation.  

Many farms in the Gwydir Valley have gravity components internally, however there are limited numbers of gravity diversions for the purposes of accessing either regulated or unregulated water. You need to check your Works Approval via WaterNSW register selecting A particular water licence or approval (including conditions) if you know your 90AL number OR A particular property (in relation to water licences or approvals) to find your 90AL number using your Lot and DP.  
Then see what has been listed there - if it says diversion channel you have until 1 December 2021 to ensure your meter meets the new metering rules.  If not, you must meet the requirements for larger than 500mm pumps by this December or for smaller sites, 1 December 2021.
NOTING as per WSPs the metering installation can be located anywhere between the point of extraction and the first inlet/outlet locations.    

The NSW Government released their 20- 40-year draft Gwydir Regional Water Strategy to look at how to improve regional water security, build resilience and stronger communities and environments. It is about how to best manage the challenges that are facing the Gwydir region. This strategy looks at historical and a worst case scenario of climatic sequence as part of the assessment of challenges that may face the region.  The strategy provides a long list of proposed projects, both infrastructure, rules-based, research and review and skills orientated, to be considered by the community.  These should be reviewed by the community as a chance to have a say on future investment in the region.  

There is a live webinar on 15 October 2020 and face-to-face meetings in Moree on 22 October 2020.

Not all pipe diameters have AS4747 pattern approved meters available (see current list).  For example, whilst there is a meter approved to 1800mm it is only manufactured in 200mm diameter increments.  We encourage you to seek transitional arrangements for your existing meter provided it can meet those requirements available here.
Where that is not an option, you can request a S.233 of the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 from the Minister.
We have developed a template that captures the required site information and the evidence needed from your Certified Meter Installer to support why a metering solution is not currently available.  For example this has been used for a 1500mm pipe where there is not a pattern approved meter currently on the market.
Where this situation may apply to you, you should act quickly to seek the exemption before the required deadline.  Please contact the office to discuss.
Members click the link to see the metering updates.

The NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) recently supported a disallowance motion to rescind the NSW Government’s Water Management (General) Amendment (Exemptions for Floodplain Harvesting) Regulation 2020 the “exemption” on water users needing to hold a water licence to utilise their approved floodplain works as of 3 July 2008 (eligible floodplain harvesting works), to collect overland flow.  The small steps in improving the regulation of FPH made by the exemption decision have been wound back, at a time when all stakeholders want to move forward and have  ensure water take is accountable, measured, transparent and within the allowable limits

So what does it mean? Who does it impact or benefit? Where to from here?

Tonight, the NSW Legislative Council voted to redact the Exemption Regulation on floodplain harvesting following the tabling of the Inquiry Report here.

This means FPH regulation now reverts back to the NSW Water Act 1912 and NSW Government has less tools to manage its take, including limiting the use of structures built after 2008.  The historical status quo has now been returned.  

The decision will divide NSW communities and is a distraction from what the NSW Government should be focusing on, which is the better regulation of this form of take within the  contemporary legislative framework of the NSW Water Management Act 2000.  

This decision doesn't impact water users as we clearly outlined in our submission but seeks to further undermine the communities confidence in water management in NSW through miss-information and petty politics.  

Only a fully implemented licencing regime with monitoring and compliance will address those concerns. Most speakers participating in the debate supported regulation through licencing,  due (before tonight) by July 2021 and we welcome their support of its continued implementation.

A positive move by NRAR to visit the region and talk first hand about the upcoming metering deadline for 1 December 2020. We hope the Department and Minister follows your lead.

There’s a clear communication gap with these new rules and future FPH rules, impacting many. We support NRAR taking up this gap and providing improved communication to water users.

To find our more if 1 December 2020 deadline applies to you, check out our website https://www.gvia.org.au/…/water-man…/water-take-measurement/ and members log into our member page for a detailed breakdown of steps.

NSW DPIE announced a 3.07% allocation this month for General Security users, including the environment following inflows into Copeton Dam (which was at time at 16%).  This brings the total allocation for 2020 to 4.77% and the total volume of water available to General S ecurity irrigators to 37GL with environmental holdings at 38GL.

Ordering/deliveries will not be on demand and users should complete the WaterNSW survey to indicate your needs to coordinate bulk delivery. 

Remember, every 1% that Copeton Dam rises equates to an estimated 1.89% General Security allocation.

Save the Date: The GVIA will host the Smarter Irrigation for Profit 2 field day on Wednesday the 10th of February 2021. We will be having the field day at Keytah, where several of our Smarter Irrigation researchers and partners will be talking about new technology, smart sensing and remote control. Follow the link to the website for more information on Smarter irrigation for Profit 2

The Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association will host an online Annual General Meeting on 30th September 2020, starting at 10am.  The AGM will be followed by a General Meeting until 12pm.  The location will be the GVIA office, 100 Balo Street Moree.  Our COVID Safe Plan restricts the number of attendees and as a result, we will be providing an online option via Microsoft Teams for video conferencing or dial in.  Members must RSVP to either secure a seat in the office or receive their personal conference link.  Nominations for the GVIA Committee are being received, please see the link below to access the nomination form.  All financial members as of June 2020 are eligible to nominate.

NSW DPIEW have released a new guide: 'What water users need to know' about the NSW non-urban metering reforms.  This handy tool outlines the required steps for water users to take to ensure they are compliant by the required due date, the first of which  is 1 December 2020. New telemery devices have also been added to the list of approved devices, which we are informed can be ordered via your supplier. 
Local certified meter installers can be located via the Irrigation Australia website and searching for a CMI:  https://www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/ 

GVIA Provides Submission into the Independant Assessment into the Norther Basin First Flush

GVIA providing a submission into the Independent Panel's Assessment of the Northern Basin First Flush saying.

The Northern Basin 2020 First Flush event was unprecedented in uniting stakeholders around the Northern Basin in demanding the NSW Government do better at managing competing critical needs in times of drought. It became obvious that during the event, in the absence of a clear and transparent set of rules that set a strong framework to address competing critical needs in the well-defined scope of the public interest, the event would be seen as unduly influenced by one or another set of stakeholders.

With this in mind, we largely support the recommendations proposed by the panel. However, we do offer a number of suggestions to be considered in the process of refining the final report included opportunities to improve data gaps and improve the information base for future discussions. Of importance is an independent and thorough assessment of flow outcomes and alternative scenarios. Without fully understanding a range of scenarios, we cannot fully objectively review the event and properly inform any future debate about improved frameworks. Without this information we may very well focus on a range of reforms that may or may not be required.

Here is our first reminder regarding the first deadline for the NSW Non-urban water metering reform for larger than 500mm surface water pump installation is quickly arriving, with all works finalised by 1 December 2020.

It is important that everyone assess using the NSW Government's  Metering Tool whether you are required to have your surface water metering work checked and validated or a replacement meter installed with telemetry by this date.   All water users must assess their obligations and MAKE DUE EFFORT to meet these obligations in the required timeframe.

NSW DPIEW announced a 1.7% allocation to General Security and environmental water holders for the end of July 2020.  This brings total available water to General Security water users to 22,000ML with environmental water holders having 34,000 ML, not including high security water.  Copeton Dam is holding 14.7% capacity with essential supplies secured for two-years.

This means now every 1% that Copeton Dam increases by can equate to an estimated 1.89% allocation for General Security and environmental water holders.

The NSW Government has launched the Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy 2020 for the northern Murray–Darling Basin - Wednesday, 19 August 2020, 10:30am - 12:30pm.

The policy applies to landholders in the northern Murray–Darling Basin who will receive a floodplain harvesting water-access license under the NSW Floodplain Harvesting Policy (2018) in 2021 and will allow water harvested from northern Basin floodplains to be accurately and reliably measured for the first time.

The NSW Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy will be rolled out in stages and water users will be required to comply with the floodplain harvesting measurement rules by July 2021 or July 2022, depending on their onsite storage capacity.

The NSW Government released the NSW Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy 2020. This announcement provides one of the missing pieces to understand how NSW plan to manage this access under a licencing regime, which is due for implementation by 1 July next year in the Gwydir Valley. We e have been calling on the policy for some time, so that water users have due time to meet their obligations.
“The policy is an ambitious program but an important step forward in water management that our local industry has been committed for a long time to achieve.”
Photo: Storage device already installed on an empty storage, waiting for the drought to break.

Follow the link to the recent GRDC Irrigation update with input from Nick Gillingham from Keytah and Lou Gall from GVIA. There was also a great presentation from Matthew Harrison on WaterCan Profit. Thank you to GRDC and ICAN for the opportunity to participate. 

Smarter Irrigation for Profit Phase II is a partnership between the irrigation industry, research organisations and farmer groups, the objective of which is to improve the profit of over 4,000 cotton, dairy, rice, grains and sugar irrigators. There are 14 sub projects including: New irrigation technologies such as new sensors, advanced analytics to improve irrigation scheduling and strategies to reduce water storage evaporation. Cost effective, practical automated irrigation systems and a network of 36 farmer led optimised irrigation sites such as Keytah here in the Gwydir. We have just launched our new web page for of videos and project information. .  

Feral Pig management support

The Feral Pig monitoring program supported by the NSW Government and the NW LLS is drawing to a close. We have conducted a range of monitoring and management activities including collaring and tagging pigs, trapping and shooting.  As we move into our winter cropping season pig damage will become more evident, especially as many pregnant sows have been observed. The GVIA can provide support to local landholders who participate in group control activities and would appreciate information on crop damage caused by feral pigs. Please contact us for more information. 

An independent panel has released a draft report on the management of the 2020 northern Murray-Darling Basin first flush event that restricted access in the Gwydir Valley to unregulated, supplementary and floodplain harvesting in February 2020. 
The panel is seeking community feedback on its draft report following an earlier public consultation in May 2020 and are hosting an online webinar with their draft results on Monday, 27 July at 1pm. 
Its encouraged all members should participate.
Limited capacity is available in the GVIA office to attend due to COVID restrictions, please contact the office.

NSW Department has announced the starting allocations for water users for the new water year 2020-2021 with all water users (Stock and Domestic, Towns, High Security, Supplementary and Unregulated  in the surface water systems and Groundwater) receiving 100% except General Security users.  General Security water users have access to ongoing carryover water of 12GL for water users  and 31GL for environmental water holders via the NSW DPIE-W.

The department, together with WaterNSW, will be holding public information sessions via webinar during May and June 2020 with the session for the Norther region, including the Gwydir on 28 May 2020. See the link below to register for this presentation.

The sessions will provide an update on the water availability outlook, climatic trends, system flows and storages levels. Lessons learnt from the current drought and the impacts of drought on groundwater will be discussed, as well as ongoing support available for communities.

Water availability including prospects for allocations for the new water year starting July 1 2020 will also be discussed.

The NSW Government has appointed an independent panel to assess what improvements can be made to better manage the use, communication and application of temporary restrictions like those used in February 2020.   These restrictions were used to manage the first major water flows following rainfall across the northern Murray-Darling after record drought conditions.

The panel is now seeking feedback from the community on their views and experiences in relation to the first flush event and suggestions on the future management of these events. They invite you to make a submission or give your feedback by completing the survey available on the review website.  

The GVIA will be providing our own feedback via this survey, and we encourage members and all stakeholders affected by these events, to directly provide their own individual experiences and feedback to the panel.   

DPIE-W announced the Gwydir Valley received it’s first allocation since February 2018 with 1.9% allocation (or 10.56GL) issued to water users including the environment.  Inflows into Copeton Dam since February this year are greater than 60% of the total inflows into the dam over the last 2.5 years. 

The allocation announcement together with a full reserve essential supplies reserve (for two years) in Copeton Dam and recent supplementary availability below the dam, signals for the first-time in years that the whole catchment has a good soil moisture and any rain should generate flows into our river systems.  Whilst the drought hasn’t broken, it’s a good start for water users and the region.       

In a world first, the government is using LiDAR to construct images to estimate the volume of floodplain harvesting captured in private water storages in the Northern Basin valleys as reported in The Land last week.  The article said "There is a combined capacity of 1450 gigalitres within 1386 private on-farm storages across the Northern Basin, which are filled infrequently and only during wet periods." and Minister for Water, Ms Pavey said "...the department is able to determine both the capacity and volume held in private on-farm storages with much greater accuracy....Using this technology, we were able to assess the volume of floodplain harvesting was around 20GL during this time [the temporary restriction in February 2020]. Now, over 380GL has made it to the Menindee Lakes, reconnecting the Lower Darling to the Murray River for the first time since 2016," she said. 
We think it's important that the NSW Government release results like this, to build confidence and show their significant investment in FPH monitoring and compliance. As we know, floodplain harvesting opportunity arises in a flood, when there is plenty of water available for everyone.  These results demonstrates this fact, with take only 5% of the total flow measured at Menindee Lakes, more than 1000km of river channel and floodplain downstream, with no impact to the achievement of the targets for critical needs required at the time.

As the current season is drawing to a close and winter planting is getting underway, the Smarter Irrigation for Profit researchers are looking to see  what you want to know more about with regards irrigation. We have developed a 4 question survey and would love your input. 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SIP2_Webinar

With recent catchment rainfall, water availability has improved across the catchment with inflows into Copeton Dam as well as approximately 10% Supplementary allocation available from inflows below the Dam.  The region has moved down to Stage 2 for Drought Management, due to the forecast of 2-years supply of all essential water requirements including towns.  A small deficit for General Security delivery remains and must be addressed prior to any new allocations.

NSW Government has released the draft Terms of Reference into their Independent Assessment into the First Flush in the northern basin -  the management and communication of  temporary restrictions implemented in February 2020 to achieve flow outcomes within the valley and downstream in the Barwon-Darling. There is an opportunity to provide input into the review via a multi-step submission process, starting with the Terms of Reference. The GVIA will be working on suggestions to improve the terms including ensuring the panel has relevant technical input into the effectiveness of the event by considering northern basin hydrology and flows.

GVIA Office Closed

With the response to Covid-19, the GVIA office is now closed and staff are rotating being in the office. Appointment can be made if required.  Our work continues and both Zara and Lou are still available by phone; 02 67521399 or email. Please dont hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and well. Thank You 

Gwydir Field day cancelled

The Gwydir Field Day planned for tomorrow has had to be cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience. 

The Gwydir CGA would like to invite you to join us for the 2020 Gwydir Field Day.
The field day will provide an opportunity to look at some new and innovative technologies including the CSD variety trials, XtendFlex , a machine vision app for insect management and the canopy temperature sensors. There will be an update from the CSIRO breeding team and the NSW DPI water productivity benchmarking project.

This statement is provided as a response to concerns raised due to misinformation regarding northern embargoes and floodplain harvesting.
Our organisation supports the need for a first flush to provide flow for critical human needs.  We also are on record requesting greater transparency around the decision to utilise, amend and remove temporary pumping restrictions in NSW.  This process must be undertaken with a clear methodology, based on fact and science and communicated communities both up and downstream. 

On the back of last week’s bureaucratic bungling, Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association are warning that the lack of responsiveness by government and transparent processes are sacrificing our farmers and wasting precious water.

Once again this week our farmers have been crucified on the back of bureaucratic bungling. On late Friday afternoon, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Water division applied an embargo for the first time on overland flow via a text message.  Whilst the sentiment of this decision to protect flows for critical human needs is supported by northern communities, it is the level of disregard for how a natural system behaves during extreme weather events such as a flood and the lack of consultation about rule changes that has farmers fuming. 

Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association together with Namoi Water have provided the following statement regarding the current management of river flows and localised flooding in parts of our valleys.  This statement will be progressively updated as more information becomes available.
 
There is no question that we and our communities support the importance of connectivity flows in drought. We fully support flows to provide critical human needs.

 

NSW DPIEW informed users via the EWN that they have lifted temporary water restrictions on unregulated water users in the Mehi subcatchment (until 17 February 2020), this adds to the lifting of restrictions in the Millie and Thalaba sub-catchments in the south-western section of Gwydir Valley.  Restrictions to floodplain harvesting activities in the Mehi and Thalaba sub catchments have also been lifted. These expire on 12th February 2020. 
Reasons for the decision are stated as being: over the last 2 days there has been in excess of 150mm of rain in lower Gwydir. Flows in the Mehi River are at 4000ML/day and 4,500ML/day in Moomin. Flows in the Barwon Darling are at 9000ML day at Collarenabri and 5000ML day at Tara. Flows from the Mehi are backing up due to high flows in the Barwon Darling.
Most flow targets have been met, and is now expected that targets at Brewarrina, and possibly Bourke, will also be met.
The main intent of lifting this order to minimise flood impacts, and allow farmers to move water around their property.   

Water NSW have expanded their Early Warning Network to manage notifications for temporary restrictions to pumping conditions (in addition to dam safety and flood notifications).  It is recommended all water users subscribe to this process to be sent an email and SMS on any announcements from Water NSW regarding access arrangements. 

DPIEW have lifted the restrictions to unregulated licence access in the Thalaba and Millie Creek Subcatchments as of 9:53pm tonight.  This is because of high rainfall in the lower part of the Gwydir valley has resulted in the public interest test being met for these water sources, and unregulated take from the above water sources will not materially impact on downstream flows in the Barwon Darling.
To receive updates on temporary restrictions, you must register for the Early Warning Network here.
Contact the office for more information.

The NSW Government has enacted a temporary restriction on floodplain harvesting across the northern basin to preserve any flows in the northern river system for towns, stock and domestic supply and the environment. This temporary restriction order will apply to the take of water for the purpose of floodplain harvesting, except in the case where the take of water is rainfall runoff from irrigated areas with tailwater return drains or water cannot be reasonably prevented i.e. it is passive take.  You will need to refer to the exemption details via the Department's website.  We will forward any further information when it becomes available. 

The Gwydir Cotton Growers Association would like to invite you to join us for the 2020 Gwydir Field Day which will be showcasing new and innovative technologies including the CSD variety trials, XtendFlex , a machine vision app for insect management and the canopy temperature sensor. There will be discussion on the impact of temperature and climate on cotton production as well as an update from the CSIRO breeding team.
RSVP to Secretary@gwydircotton.com.au or call Lou on 0427 521 498 or 02 6752 1399

Following months (and months) of requests from groups like ourselves, our local council and chamber of commerce for support for our farm related businesses, the Australian Government through the Regional Investment Corporation has announced and opened the AgBiz Drought loans which aims to support regional Australians to take control of their business through the drought.  There are conditions and eligibility requirements for the loan.  For more information visit the RIC website.  Thank you to our local members who advocated for broadening drought support from the farm gate.

Please be aware DPIE have issues a Section 324 water restriction under the NSW Water Management Act in anticipation of potential natural inflows into the regions water systems this is for unregulated, general security and supplementary licences.  Details are to be provided on the DPIE website.  This order does not include current water orders in the system and high security deliveries.  Exemptions to test metering equipment are expected to exist and procedures must be followed as per the gazette.

The GVIA were excited to help coordinate and host two year 12 students in Moree as part of the University of New England's Growing Regional and Agricultural Students in Science (UNE GRASS) program. They have been getting their hands dirty these school holidays, learning about all facets of the cotton industry directly from those involved in all areas. Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School student Harry Page from Goondiwindi and Calrossy Anglican School student Matt Tomlinson from Bellata have spent the past week in the Gwydir Valley, gaining a broad exposure to the possible career opportunities in the Australian cotton industry.

With the anticipation of rain forecast by the BOM, its important that water users are aware of the conditions around water access in the event we receive river system inflows.  There are currently deliveries within the system that would need to be satisfied, as with the provision of stock and domestic and basic landholder right flows to systems that have not received any substantial flows to-date.  To ensure you are up to date, please check the Department of Industry website for any temporary restrictions.
We note that previous restrictions have made allowances to test metering equipment for a limited volume of no more than 1ML provided the duly qualified person, undertaking the testing informs NRAR.  This information will be available on the Government Gazette if a restriction is put in place.  

Current water availability has been updated for regulated and groundwater usage and allocations this year, which groundwater usage remaining below limits and no new allocations being made. The only deliveries from Copeton Dam have been for critical water needs for high security users (both irrigators and the environment) and general security carried over for environmental purposes, which is being dam wall debited.  Copeton Dam received minor inflows and remains steady to increasing, despite releases being made.  These releases are visible in the Mehi and Lower Gwydir systems.  The GVIA have also updated our historical availability section of the website, to include an analysis of supplementary access as well.

WaterNSW recently provided an update on river operations outlook and water availability for the Gwydir Valley as part of the River Operations Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the Customer Advisory Group meetings that coincided with the regional drought updates.  A snap shot of these updates are provided in the link below, or you can visit the WaterNSW website for regional drought updates and operations updates. 

The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are undertaking environmental water delivery across the Gwydir, Mehi and Carole systems to replenish large river pools which act as fish refuge throughout the summer of 2019-20.  Initial environmental water releases are being used to restart the rivers after an extended period of no flow. After river startup, flows will be in combination with WaterNSW releases for stock and domestic flows down the systems. Visit this page to see the updates. 

The NSW Government has updated their Drought Information page with new information on how they are managing water and critical water shortages right around the state.  It reads "The areas experiencing the worst effects of this drought are the northern Murray-Darling Basin and the Lower Darling. Inflows to each of the major northern inland NSW regulated rivers are now the lowest on record. Northern NSW has experienced many two-year periods of sustained low inflows. We’re now entering an unprecedented third year." For more facts behind the drought and river management options, visit their page and look through the critical valleys and their management or the other information sources.

The independent expert panel appointed to study the social and economic conditions affecting communities in the Murray-Darling Basin will be in Moree on  Friday 18th October 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Town and Country Club, 5 Frome St.
The panel wants to hear from communities to assess how lived experience aligns with analysis and research, understand key trends, drivers and impacts from water reform, and learn of community-led ideas and solutions.
Please register your interest in attending by email to: Independentpanel@mdba.gov.au stating that you will be attending the Moree session. Thank you.

The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have significant natural assets in our region - NSW is responsible for land and water and the Commonwealth are the largest single water entitlement owner in the valley.  While a farmer is financially accountable for their decisions and socially accountable as custodians to manage their land - not to mention the rules and regulations they must abide by. Who are our government's accountable to when they make decisions on how they manage their assets? It's the community!
Zara Lowien said "Its important that the community are aware of what is done with the water that is delivered to these areas and how those decisions are made"...

Today, the NSW Government announced that the it will adjust the first three start dates for the new metering rules, meaning the first roll-out date for larger than 500mm pipe diameters is now 1 December 2020.  This announcement, while welcomed and well-overdue, unfortunately fails to acknowledge that the NSW Government has failed to outline to water users what data logger or telemetry devices are approved for installation as part of the new regulations.  This decision is still pending. 

Today, the GVIA launched two videos calling on the NSW Government to finalise their decision regarding changes to the NSW Non-urban Water Metering Regulations that were consulted on back in August 2019.  Executive Officer, Zara Lowien said "it's now less than two-months before the first deadline for water users to ensure their metering equipment meets the new rules and no one knows what data logger or telemetry units are approved for installation.  Without this decision,  no water user in NSW can be compliant.  Farmers all around NSW are under enough pressure already, enough is enough".   

On Sunday 29th September Landline featured a story on the pig monitoring project that was completed in the Berrigal Creek region over the last three years. The collars used in that project are now in use for the GVIA project.
We have eight collared pigs and a camera grid monitoring pig movements in our region, as shown in the image of the collared boar. Area wide control activities will begin in the next few weeks. If we are to achieve our target 80-90% control we need everyone to be involved in effective control activities. 

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