GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

Events

Support with FPH obligations

WaterNSW have offered to assist members who are Floodplain Harvesting customers to better understand their obligations under the NSW FPH Policy.

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
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  

The MDBLP brings together people from across the Basin who are ready to work beyond their own interests and contribute to strengthening understanding of how the Basin’s water resources are managed. 
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

WaterNSW is making releases from Copeton Dam to target flows at Tyreel Weir in the Gwydir River. The expected peak flow at the site is about 100 ML/day from 30 May 2026
Additional information is available in the link

FPH Classification of works

Classification of works for FPH in the WaterNSW customer portal cannot yet be completed correctly.
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. 

In May the GVIA completed our submission to the NSW connectivity program.
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. 

The GVIA recently completed a submission for WaterNSW pricing to IPART. Our overall requests were as follows:
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.

Environmental flows update

Environmental flows are currently being released targeting the Gingham. These will last for approximately 6 weeks, or until the Gingham waterhole has filled. 

The embargo has been 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.

On Monday the NSW government released their "Non -urban metering Stage 2 Regulation amendments" for Public Exhibition.
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. 

Easement inundation information for landholders

The Easement Inundation Amendments went through NSW parliament this week, coming into effect on Monday the 18th May 2026. 
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.  "

Please find included Media from the shadow water minister 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.

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