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Member Updates |

This month's newsletter bids a farewell to outgoing CEO, Claire Miller and introduces new CEO Dr Madeleine Hartley. 
Claire has done a wonderful job over the past five years helping to grow the membership and profile of the organisation and hence help get the voice of irrigators heard in the community, many of you will have heard her on the Country hour. Thank you for everything Claire.
The new CEO Madeleine will bring a different skill set, with a legal background, something that will no doubt be useful as the Council navigates a path for members through the new NRAR enforcement bill introduced to the upper house last week. We look forward to working with you in the years to come. 

Member Updates |

As of Tuesday the Gwydir Unregulated Water Sharing Plan has lapsed.
Water users are still required to operate in accordance with their existing licence and works approval conditions.
WaterNSW will continue to apply dealings (water trades) and approvals as per the current plan provisions, so license holders will still be able to conduct trades.


Member Updates |

* Local Water utilities and stock and domestic licence holders have received maximum (100%) allocation
* Regulated High security licences received usual full opening allocation
* Floodplain harvesting licence holders have received full opening allocations
* Supplementary access license holders have received full allocations in the Gwydir

News |

NSWIC latest media release states that "IPART has added to the cost squeeze on NSW farmers with its final determination today to increase rural water bills by up to 8.3% in most valleys for 2025-26."
"NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said it was disappointing that IPART had shifted from the affordable 1.9% plus CPI price rise proposed in its information paper last month."
“The determination underlines the need for the NSW Government to urgently reform the flawed pricing model and corporate structure driving unaffordable hikes in rural water bills over the last 10 years.”

For the full story follow the link.

News |

IPART has decided to issue a 1-year determination commencing on 1 July 2025 and ending 30 June 2026, or when replaced
From 1 July, prices will increase by 5.8% plus inflation of 2.4% for bulk water customers. MDBA charges will increase by 0.6% plus inflation of 2.4% and BRC charges will increase by 1.1% plus inflation of 2.4%. All other prices will increase by inflation only.​
At this stage, the Tribunal is not convinced that all the increased costs proposed by WaterNSW are sufficiently justified as necessary or efficient, or that they should all be passed on the customers. The short determination will allow more work to be done on the broader challenges identified through this price review.
The GVIA requested a full performance review and analysis of the business structure. ​

News |

The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is an investment in the future of our next generation of changemarkers, dedicated to helping young people enhance their capabilities and unlock new opportunities for growth.
The program offers financial support, resources, and access to National Farmers’ Federation and Woolworths networks, and a community of like-minded individuals, all with the goal of driving long-term success in the agriculture sector.
As part of the $400,000 program, 20 scholarships of $20,000 each will be awarded.

The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program runs for 18 months allowing individuals an opportunity to deep dive into developing themselves and with the support of NFF & Woolworths.

Events |

Save the Date
Thursday 24th July 2025, we will be celebrating 30 years of the GVIA. 
More details to follow shortly. 

Submissions |

The link is to the submission by the GVIA to the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development
To the inquiry into the Impacts of the Water Amendment Act 2023 on NSW regional communities.

Within the GVIA submission we raise issues associated with 
* Government Performance
* Impacts of Rules-based changes
* The Risk Assignment Framework
* Floodplain Harvesting regulations and
Other Water related matters such as 
* Over-recovered water
* Water Resources Plans
* Wetlands
* NRAR and
* the NRC. 

Member Updates |

The NSW Irrigators Council April newsletter is now available. The Top issues discussed include.

  1. Parliamentary Inquiry: Restoring Our Rivers
  2. Revised wetland mapping in water sharing plans
  3. IPART draft report on rural bulk water pricing
  4. Sustainable Diversion Limits Adjustment Mechanism update
  5. Non- Urban Metering


News |

This month's NSW-DQ webinar focused on "Are You Measurement Ready". A recording is available here and responses to questions taken on notice will be available here in the next fortnight.

Some key take aways:
  • All water users should check their licence and approvals to ensure the details are correct, and ensure they are following their conditions.
  • Water users subject to the mandatory metering condition but eligible for exemption should use the online metering guidance tool and take a record of what exemption they believe they can claim.
  • Metering requirements apply to Unregulated users as well as Regulated.

Floodplain Harvesting |

To take FPH entitlement in the Gwydir you must have Primary storage meters installed and validated by a DQP on all the storages in your works approval. 

Users looking to find out the storage levels on the DAS before starting an FPH event, and then at the end of an FPH event may find this video useful.

The primary storage meters record on approximately 15 minute intervals, but only upload onto the DAS once a day, so ensure you monitor your FPH take using a secondary storage meter or gauge boards. 

To log onto the DAS you will need a username and password.
You should have received an email with this information on it. To find this email search WaterNSW+DAS, it may have landed in the junk folder. 

This link provides useful tools for water users

Member Updates |

NSW Irrigators Council newsletter March 2025. Topics include

  1. Federal election and Budget
  2. NSWIC March General Meeting
  3. Expanding NRAR's enforcement powers
  4. Water sharing plans and wetland mapping saga
  5. Murray-Darling Basin Plan updates

Floodplain Harvesting |

As we have seen rain in the recent week, it is possible that there may be opportunity for FPH where you have all the storages in your works approval fitted with a primary storage meter certified by your DQP.
Entitlement holders with a point of intake meter completed and approved by your DQP will also be able to access FPH entitlement. 
This is the link to the WaterNSW Gwydir FPH fact sheet. 
This is the link to the department Gwydir FPH and licensing page. 

News |

As we will now have a federal election on the 3rd of May 2025, I encourage you to have conversations with people from all different parts of the community to ensure they understand what is important to safegard the Australian irrigation industry. The following links will show you what the peak industry organisations have as their election policy positions. There are also a number of useful facts about irrigation which you may be able to utilise in your discussions. 

National Irrigators Council

NSW Irrigation Council

National Farmers Federation

Member Updates |

Following the review of the Non-Urban metering framework there are some changes that are of importance for smaller users. 
A summary of the changes to the rules around non-urban metering are available here. There is also information to step you through how to ensure you are compliant. 
Some points to note:
* Smaller water users across NSW with works nominated by total entitlements of >15 ML and <100 ML, (unless otherwise exempt) have until 1 December 2027 to comply or by the work approval renewal, whichever is later.
* Water users with entitlements of 15 ML or less are not required to install a meter unless trading water allocations. However, recording and reporting water usage remains mandatory.

The government have updated the metering guidance tool, so you can check if you need a meter or telemetry.

News |

The department sought public feedback in late 2023 on proposed changes to distance restrictions for new or amended bores from other bores or property boundaries in the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2020 (the plan).

At this time, feedback from stakeholders indicated that the community needed further information on the proposed changes. To address the community's questions, we released a Status Update Document on 17 February 2025, outlining what’s changing and why. Public feedback on this document and the proposed changes is welcome until 6 April 2025.

Submissions |

The GVIA have completed a thrid submission on the update Gwydir unregulated WSP in this submission we make the following recommendations. 

1. We request that any wetland identification not be included as a component of any Water Sharing Plan (WSP) regulated or unregulated now or at any time into the future as it adds no benefit to the public given that any changes to water access in WSP is already accounted for.

2. We request clarity on the financial, legal and production implications of gazetting wetland sites as members have major concerns as to how rules may be interpreted or adjusted in the future.

3. Although we do not support the creation of wetlands on private land, we request that the Department consult with all landholders directly and that ground truthing of any wetland include all sites gazetted in all earlier versions of the Gwydir Unregulated and Regulated Water Sharing Plans.

4. Although we do not support the creation of wetlands on private land, if the Department wishes to identify any new wetlands as a standalone process, unrelated to any Water Sharing Plan, the process must include individual consultation will all landholders likely to be impacted by the identification of a wetland, this includes all neighbouring landholders.

5. We request that following ground truthing and consultation with landholders, to confirm the existence of a wetland, if the Department continues to include them unnecessarily in Water Sharing Plans, then they should be included as a detailed list as in Schedule 4 and Schedule 5 of the Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2012 and be supported by the interactive map. We cannot accept a map alone as we have no confidence it will be tamper proof.

Events |

Please find included information on a film being screened at the Town and Country Club, 5 Frome St Moree on Friday the 4th of April. 
The film writer Leila McDougall will be a special guest at the event. 
This screening is proudly sponsored by mcGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services, AFF, NSW Farmers and CWA Moree
The event beguins at 6pm and there is no charge. 

News |

The NSW legislative assembly are conducting an inquiry into the Impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW regional communities. The chair is Roy Butler and has been designed to consider the following:

a) the social, economic and environmental impact of repealing limits to the cap on Commonwealth water purchases
b) the risks to the effective implementation of the Federal Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 including unlicensed take of water and options to address these risks such as rules for floodplain harvesting
c) the impact of Planned Environmental Water rules on the reliability of water allocations in NSW and the Commonwealth's environmental water holdings
d) the impact of rules-based changes on the reliability of water allocations in NSW, including their impact on different water license categories
e) the effectiveness and impacts of past water reforms, including community-based water reduction adjustment programs such as the Strengthening Basin Communities program and Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program
f) options to improve future community-based reduction adjustment programs including next rounds of the Sustainable Communities Program
g) any other related matter. Submissions are Due 14th April 2025. 

News |

Today the NSW Government released media associated with wetlands in the NSW unregulated WSP. There has been significant changes to the proposals, a direct result of the feedback from each of you. We thank the NSW water Minister and her department for responding to the feedback they received.
There are still however newly prescribed wetlands in the Gwydir. Landholders who still have sites on their land, which they do not support as wetlands have until the 23rd March to provide feedback to the department, as the plan is still subject to change through the public consultation period. 
In addition we will be reinforcing the need for any landholder impacted by these new and all existing wetlands to be directly consulted by the department. Gazetting a wetland without appropriate consultation is not acceptable. 
The updates on the department website include mapped wetland areas limited to internationally significant Ramsar listed wetlands, those registered in the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia, any wetlands already receiving protection in the current water sharing plans and wetlands identified as ecologically and/or culturally significant in previously exhibited floodplain management plans.
People can also attend a webinar from 12.30-1.30pm on Wednesday 12 March 2025 to learn more.

News |

The Basin Plan 2012 was made under Part 2 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (the Water Act) to guide the management and sharing of water in the Basin in a more sustainable way. There have been hugh changes to water management as a result. 
Summary of findings:
Four NSW Water resource plans remain to be accredited - the Gwydir is one of them. 
All 54 SDL resource units within non-accredited WRP did not exceed compliance triggers in 2022-23
As of June 2024 there had been 2,131.7GL/yr Surface water recovered, only 22GL remained at that stage. 35.25GL/yr of groundwater had been recovered with only 3.2GL remaining.
This year we expect to see the Sustainable Rivers Audit and the Basin Plan evaluation, these together with the Outlook for the Basin, Sustainable Yields and Discussion Paper will be utilised as an evidence base for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.

Member Updates |

Key topics of Interest
 - Presentation of successes of Basin Plan to Legal-wise water symposium
 - National Water Agreement NSW Workshops
 - NSW telemetry review
 - Inquiry to Water amendment bill 2023 impacts on regional communities
 - NSW minimum inflow project

News |

Irrigators question recent efforts by Minister Plibersek to consider socio-economic impacts of buybacks

25 February 2025, Canberra, ACT – Irrigators call out Minister Plibersek’s decision to sign off[ on purchasing another 100 GL of water in the southern Basin with questionable procurement processes and deliberately narrow evidence to support the decision.

“The advice before the Minister to inform the decision is flawed,” said Zara Lowien, CEO of National Irrigators’ Council.

“The additional 170 GL of water (from a 2024 round and this new one), will cause a significant increase in water allocation price of around 7.2% in the southern Murray Darling, and impact some industries particularly hard, such as rice, with an estimated 6.48% drop in water use.”

“The narrow assessment only looked at buying back 170 GL/y of water and apportioned $84 million annual production losses, ignoring that more than 2,100 GL/y is now recovered with an estimated annual farm-gate production loss between $602 million - $914 million.”

“Can the Minister really say she has considered socio-economic impacts, if the impact assessment is designed to not capture the full impacts?” said Ms Lowien.

“Worse still, the evidence highlighted the range of government programs aimed at mitigating the known socio-economic impacts but failed to mention the minimal progress of these other strategies”.

“Updates show there are no ‘new’ efficiency alternatives contracted, no land and water partnerships, and only NSW has signed up to their flagship program: Sustaining Basin Communities.”

News |

In a clearly political move to win city votes at the expense of regional Australia, the Commonwealth has today kicked off a second buyback tender in the southern Murray-Darling Basin in 2024-25. NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said with an election due any moment, “today’s announcement is clearly intended to try to win city votes while throwing regional communities, farmers and even the environment under the bus. “Today we learn the Government is full steam ahead to buy up to another 100 billion litres in 2025, on top of the 70 billion litres from its first tender opened last year. “The minister claims she considers social and economic impacts before approving buybacks. Considers maybe, but clearly ignores when ABARES says past and planned water recovery wipes $602 million – $914 million every year from what the farmgate value of irrigated agriculture would otherwise be.
“The one-off $300 million assistance package will not even touch the sides of what irrigation-dependent communities need when the Government is stripping hundreds of millions of dollars in income from their economies every year.
“We also know that while more than 3000 GL recovered to date is delivering important, localised environmental benefits, more water will not deliver the Basin-wide step change needed to reverse declining native fish and static waterbird populations, and improve water quality.

News |

19 February 2025, Canberra, ACT – The release of the Auditor General’s report of the Federal Government’s water buybacks finds the Government implemented a well-paved road of effective process but struggled to find the link between the buyback program and the intended policy objectives for the Murray Darling Basin Plan.  

“Many will glance at the key findings of effective process and give the Government a pat on the back, but the devil is in the detail when the report goes on to question the link between the buyback program and the intended policy objectives for the environment” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Ms Lowien.

“It found that the buyback program, designed to bridge the gap between current diversions and the Basin Plan’s Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs), was a well-paved road but questions, to where?”, said Ms Lowien.

“Achieving Sustainable Diversion Limits in the Basin was the centrepiece of the Basin Plan, but achieving the broader environmental objectives requires going beyond just adding water,”

“Government reporting indicates that SDLs are enforced and being achieved– so it’s fair to ask the question, as the Auditor General infers, why is the Government buying more water and not investing in other solutions?” said Ms Lowien.

News |

Media snippets (not endorsements):

  • Water allocations face potential shake-up with climate review under way [HERE]
  • Minister Plibersek concedes that the accreditation of water resource plan is unlawful [HERE]
  • These Traditional Owners are demanding that First Nations voices are heard on water [HERE]
  • Buybacks inquiry launched [HERE]
  • Landholders want to see changes to water basin plan [HERE]
  • Farmers fear forced flood easements [HERE]
  • MDBA plans for year ahead [HERE]
  • Research confirms environmental water supports “nerve system” of Narran Lakes (Dharriwaa) [HERE]

News |

Proposals by Water NSW and WAMC would result in water prices to increase by 170% within five years. “Here in the Gwydir valley, we grow pecans, oranges for fruit juice, as well as cotton, all of which is at risk due to these exorbitant proposed price hikes,” Mr Cush said.

“But this is not just about farmers – households in Moree and other towns will also be hit through council water utilities, as well as other water licence holders like local golf clubs, rugby and cricket grounds and children’s parks.”

News |

The Telemetry Uplift Program aims to assist eligible water users in the Murray-Darling Basin with compliance to the metering rules, to ensure water taken from inland regional water sources is extracted fairly, equitably and according to the rules. 
By opting in to the program, eligible water users will be offered free telemetry devices, including a local intelligence device (LID) and data logger. 
The $10.5 million Australian Government funded program will benefit over 2,500 eligible water users.

Register your interest by 31 March 2025 to receive further information and make sure you don’t miss out.

Submissions |

The GVIA recently lodged our submission into wetlands being prescribed into WSP. We made five recommendations: 


1. We request that any wetland identification not be included as a component of any Water Sharing Plan regulated or unregulated now or at any time into the future.

2. We request clarity on the financial, legal and production implications of gazetting new or existing wetlands.

3. Although we do not support the creation of wetlands on private land, if the government wishes to identify any new wetlands as a standalone process, unrelated to any Water Sharing Plan, the process must include individual consultation will all landholders likely to be impacted by the identification of a wetland, this includes all neighbouring landholders.

4. We request that the Department consult with all landholders directly and that ground truthing of wetlands include all sites gazetted in all earlier versions of the Gwydir Unregulated Water Sharing Plan.

5. We request that following ground truthing and consultation with landholders, the confirmed wetlands, if the Department continues to include them in Water Sharing Plans, then they should be included as a detailed list as in Schedule 4 and Schedule 5 of the Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2012 and be supported by the interactive map.

News |

The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest to participate in the Australian Government’s next round of National Water Grid funding applications, likely in June 2025.
The National Water Grid initiative makes funding available for priority water infrastructure projects to improve the reliability and security of water for Australia’s regional and remote towns, agriculture and primary industry sectors.
Expressions of interest for the next funding round must be submitted no later than 11:00 pm (AEDT) on Thursday 27 February 2025, to allow sufficient time to prepare proposals and for the Water Group to have further discussions with proponents.

News |

The pricing proposals put to IPART for review by Water NSW and Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC) in November 2024 are we believe excessive. The GVIA have made submissions on both proposals and have had a one on one meeting with the IPART WAMC and WaterNSW regional and rural water price review teams to discuss our concerns. The team at NSWIC have also prepared a submission and held a meeting with IPART. 
Submissions to the IPART Issues paper are available here 

News |

Please find included a link to the January newsletter from the NSWIC. 

  1. Federal election 
  2. Basin Plan is working
  3. Proposed wetlands in inland WSPs
  4. National Water Agreement
  5. Review of rural water pricing 

News |

Meeting with Qld Water Minister Ann Leahy



Cotton Australia, National Irrigators' Council and Border Rivers Food and Fibre, met with the Hon Ann Leahy, QLD Minister for Local Government and Water, to discuss the proposed National Water Agreement (NWA) and provide insights into matters of concern.

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray acknowledged that the current public draft of the agreement was much improved on previous versions released throughout last year, but there were still matters of significant concern and an overriding question as to what benefit signing the agreement would bring to a state like Queensland.

“Given the states are being asked to sign this agreement, but no money has been put on the table, it is hard to see why a state would voluntarily limit some of its decision-making capacity and commit significant resources to developing implementation plans, even if the proposed NWA was a good document that could be supported by stakeholders,” Mr Murray said.

Key areas of concern include:
  • The inclusion of the statement giving Indigenous Australians a concept of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent,” but no clarity on what this actually means within the context of water management, despite the glossary section assuring that it does not mean a right of veto.
  • The retention of the Risk Assignment framework (currently in the National Water Initiative) that allows, under some circumstances, the recovery of water from entitlement holders without compensation, where industry holds that if water recovery is required, it should be through market-based mechanisms.
  • A lack of recognition of the importance of irrigated agriculture in the draft.
  • Inclusion of a clause encouraging jurisdictions to move towards “Upper Bound” pricing, fortunately something Queensland rejects.


Cotton Australia will continue to work with the National Irrigators' Council, National Farmers Federation, Queensland Farmers Federation, and NSW Irrigators' Council to provide feedback to the federal and state governments on how this draft agreement can be improved.

Events |

NSW online workshop invitation
The NSW Government invites NSW stakeholders who have participated in the Australian Government’s consultations on a new national water agreement to join one of three online workshops to discuss the updated draft agreement.
The NSW-hosted workshops are an opportunity to:
  • discuss how feedback from NSW stakeholders has been incorporated into the updated draft agreement published by the Australian Government in December 2024
  • share any outstanding concerns ahead of the National Water Committee meeting in early February 2025.
To register for a workshop, please select one of the links below:

Monday 3 February, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Monday 3 February, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Tuesday 4 February, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Submissions |

Public exhibition of the draft water sharing plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2025 commenced on 4 November 2024, with submissions due 10th January 2025. 

Issues identified in the GVIA submission included.

  •         procedural process and appropriateness of proposals from both the Department and the NRC. 
  •         NRC recommended protection of “significant wetlands” 37 were already listed in existing plan. Lack of quality control in mapping exercise, poor data utilised to inform mapping, remote sensing not ground truthed. Lack of consultation or notification. 
  •         Requested data used to inform changes to BLR
  •         Support in principle numeric LTAAEEL but question ability to confidently develop it by 31st Dec 2026 given data gaps and ongoing failure of NSW Water Register.
  •         Reject NRC recommendation for limitations for carry over and conservative AWD’s and support the Department response.
  •         Asked for clarity on unregulated FPH subdivision in zone A or D
  •         Noted changes to Access 
  •         Rejected references to the Connectivity Panel Report.
  •         Highlighted property rights and for the need to purchase additional water if required or for any reduction to be fully compensated, including for any Specific purpose access licences.

Submissions |

At the end of 2024 IPART initiated their review of prices for WAMC and Water NSW. IPART sets the maximum prices that the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC) and WaterNSW can charge their customers for water services. The maximum prices being set in these reviews apply from 1 July 2025. 
There are multiple demands for water in rural areas, including from agriculture, towns, industrial, and environmental licence holders. In NSW there is a complex system which delivers water to these diverse users.
• All customers (holding around 40,000 water access licences) pay charges to WAMC to cover costs of water planning, licencing and compliance activities across regulated rivers, unregulated rivers and groundwater systems.
• Around one-third of customers (holding around 13,000 water access licences) also pay charges to WaterNSW to cover costs of storing and delivering water in regulated rivers.
• WAMC’s and WaterNSW’s prices include components covering NSW’s contributions to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Dumaresq-Barwon Border Rivers Commission (BRC).
IPART has released an Issues Paper covering both the WAMC and WaterNSW pricing proposals and presenting how the proposed price increases would impact customer bills. The information paper provides pricing information.
Here are the links to the GVIA Submissions for WAMC and WaterNSW

Member Updates |

The deadline for submissions on the 327 newly prescribed wetlands or possibly other sites listed as wetlands is Sunday 2nd February 2025.
We encourage anyone who does not agree with the identification of these wetlands located either on their property or downstream of their property, to put in a submission.
We have developed a template to guide you submission.
To get the Object ID and the Lot/DP for the sites enlarge the interactive map and click on the site in question. 
Submissions can be Emailed to: wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Could you please send a copy of your submission to us at gvia@gvia.org.au and we will include this in the GVIA submission.
If you would like to discuss this in person please give Lou a call on 02 6752 1399 or email her to arrange a time. The more submissions we have questioning the process and identification of these sites, the greater the chance we have of getting them removed. 
There is background information available on the department website if you would like more information. 

News |

Please find included the link to the NSWIC December newsletter. 
The GVIA work closely with the NSWIC to ensure we are able to advocate as strongly as possible for our members. This partnership will continue into 2025, and we thank our members for supporting the NSWIC through their levees. 
Issues covered in the newsletter include: Water pricing, the National Water Agreement, WSP and MDBA Constraints roadmap. 

News |

Included is the link to the 7 News regional from Thursday 9th January, where NSW National Party leader Dougal Saunders and Macquarie Food and Fibre Executive Officer Michael Drum talk about the implications from the proposals to add hundreds of newly prescribed wetlands into unregulated Water Sharing Plans across the state. 
The media talks about lack of consultation with landholders, implications for property sales and valuations and the use of remote sensing to identify the sites in question. It raises the need for compensation where there are impacts to landholders ability to run their businesses. 

Member Updates |

Submission for the Gwydir Unregulated WSP is do Friday 10th January. There are some noticeable changes to conditions for many unregulated river access licences. 
Please review your entitlements to determine what changes have been proposed to access. The changes are detailed in Section 3, from page 39 in the public exhibition draft for the Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2025. The conditions associated with your access licence can be checked on the NSW water register

News |

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 Friday 28th February 2025. The buyer will be required to cover the WaterNSW application and dealing fees and the GVIA transaction fee of $55.00 (Inc GST). Please note as of July 2024, there have been changes to the process for tiaging and assessing groundwater temporary trades. More information is available here. 

News |

Gwydir Valley Channel Capacity Constraints

6 January 2025: WaterNSW advises customers on the Gwydir River below Tyreel Weir that demand may exceed channel capacity in mid-January and throughout the remainder of the irrigation season. 
Water demand on the Lower Gwydir recently exceeded delivery capacity, resulting in temporary water delivery shortfalls in lower reaches of the Gwydir. 
Customers are encouraged to extract water only at ordered rates and only ordered volumes. 
Whilst current water orders and subsequent delivery forecast does not indicate a return to demand exceeding delivery capacity in the immediate future, it is anticipated that delivery constraints will occur throughout late January and early February 2025. 
Rostering of available channel capacity will occur if a return to demand exceeding available capacity occurs as was last experienced in January 2018.

Water orders can be placed by accessing iWAS at waternsw.com.au/iwas 
Water ordering information can be found at the WaterNSW website Ordering water - WaterNSW

For account enquiries please contact 1300 662 077.

More information: Visit WaterInsights to view announcements and sign up for notifications at waterinsights.waternsw.com.au. 
Issued by: Water Operations North

News |

Today the MDBA have released the Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap. Constraints relaxation were identified as a necessary component to enhance environmental outcomes from water recovery in the original Basin Plan. They were the driving force behind schedule 5 Enhanced environmental outcomes to increase the volume of water resources available for environmental use by 450 GL per year. There will be challenges for producers in our region. The roadmap states:
"New South Wales is also at an advanced stage in the planning of constraints relaxation implementation in the Gwydir. Engagement with stakeholders and landholders has identified key issues to delivery that mean full implementation will likely extend beyond December 2026. The Australian and NSW governments are working together to rescope the Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program to ensure tangible outcomes are delivered to relax system constraints in the Gwydir by December 2026. In April 2025, NSW will provide an options assessment report to the Commonwealth identifying the preferred delivery option for a rescoped program."

Member Updates |

The NSW DCCEEWW have released the recording from the Wetlands webinar on Monday 9th. 
If you have any questions about the recording please contact the office on 02 67521399, or email gvia@gvia.org.au
To prepare a submission if you do not support an identified wetland please use this template as a starting base. If you send your submission to the GVIA we will include this in our submission as well to help reinforce that we do not accept the prescribed wetlands.
Importantly the recommendation was only to include significant wetlands, not all possible depressions on the floodplain. If any site identified does not have plants or animals that are adapted to and dependent on moist conditions for part of their lifecycle, then it is not a wetland. If you can evidence this with photos and cropping history this will be useful. 
We are also still waiting for evidence to support the claimed intent of inclusion the wetlands. 
Submissions for wetlands are due by the 2nd of February and can be emailed to wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au please specify the Gwydir unregulated WSP area in your response.

News |

The Draft Gwydir unregulated Water Sharing Plan includes 327 newly prescribed wetlands. If you have one of these on your property, or neighbouring your property you may wish to put in a submission to the NSW government raising your concerns. 
The included template is an example of what you might like to use in your submission to the NSW Government. Please replace the text highlighted yellow with your thoughts for the wetland you are concerned about. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the GVIA on 02 6752 1399.
Anyone can put in a submission, these are due on the 2nd of February 2025. 
The following link provides a number of documents, including an interactive map regarding the water sharing plan and the wetlands. 
The department are hosting a webinar on the wetlands on Monday 9th December, You can register here.

Floodplain Harvesting |

The NSW department have developed a guided process map to help explain what is involved in getting storage metering established and operational. 
The fact sheet is available here. 
The process includes water supply works approvals, The installation and certification of equipment, storage curves, survey benchmarks and more. 

Member Updates |

The NSW Department have extended the due date for submissions to the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2025 to Friday 10 January 2025.

Those with changes to access at their unregulated works should review
 - Schedule 1 to check flow class thresholds,
 - Schedule 2 to check access licences exempt from specified access rules and
 - Schedule 3 for access licences and approvals subject to specified cease to take conditions.

There is also an extension for submissions on the New prescribed wetlands until 2 February 2025.  This will provide much needed time for those impacted to collect evidence of why sites coloured yellow are not wetlands.  
I will distribute a template in the coming days to help you with your submissions.

There are one on one phone meetings available, and I recommend anyone with a wetland register for one of these. Book a phone call - please email wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au and specify your plan area in your response.
Submissions can be emailed to wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

The department are hosting an additional webinar on wetlands on 9 December 2024 from 12:30 to 1:30 - Register here

Member Updates |

If you have your Primary storage meters installed and certified or have a point of intake meter installed, you may want to nominate a Flood Plain Harvesting event. The following link is a video from Water NSW stepping you through how to start an event. 
Remember that only primary meters can be used in the Gwydir. 
There has also been a supplementary announcement made for several members. 

Member Updates |

The Department have just released the updated interactive mapping tool for the draft Gwydir Water Sharing Plan Prescribed Wetlands. 
This is quite different to the initial map.
Despite it being an improvement on the initial map, it still remains that there is a lack of clarity around the implications of what having a wetland on your country means. We will continue to investigate and provide feedback when we can. 

Member Updates |

On Tuesday 19th November the NSW Member for Northern Tablelands Mr Brendan Moylan raised concerns about the newly determined 327 wetlands that have been included in the latest review of the Gwydir Unregulated Water Sharing Plan. The full statement is available here. In it Brendan notes:
"The issue is that that plan has included an additional 327 wetlands within that valley. The mapping used to identify those 327 additional wetlands has not been based on ground truth. Quite frankly, it could not be. The difficulty this raises is from not only a water user's perspective but also a primary production perspective, particularly in circumstances where the Government is planning to give the native vegetation regulatory [NVR] map legal effect. The plan identifies an additional 327 wetlands, most of which are on private property, which will have flow-on effects—no pun intended—for the NVR map, particularly because those wetlands are located in areas that are otherwise unregulated country as defined by the NVR map.

Member Updates |

The recent release of the draft Gwydir Unregulated WSP has raised issues for many members. The draft includes details for access licences and approvals subject to specified cease-to-take conditions. These are detailed for specific access licences. 
If you have a Gwydir Unregulated Access Licence please review schedule 3 of the draft to see if your licence is listed. Please check the draft conditions with your existing conditions.
If you are not supportive of the proposed changes please prepare a submission detailing your objection. 

We would also recommend that you register for a one on one consultation to discuss your licence and any newly created wetlands that may have appeared on your country.
To book a phone call - please email wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au and specify your plan area in your response.

The date for submissions has been extended to the 10th January 2025 and can be lodged here. 
They can also be emailed to wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

Member Updates |

The draft Gwydir unregulated WSP includes proposed changes to access rules in the following water sources:
• Halls Creek Water Source,
• Rocky Creek, Cobbadah, Upper Horton and Lower Horton Water Source,
• Myall Creek Water Source,
• Moredon Creek Water Source and 
• Copeton Dam Water Source.
Access rules do not apply to take under basic landholder rights.

The draft plan also includes proposed changes to trade rules for water shares and allocations in the following water sources:
• Boorolong Creek Water Source
• Mackenzies Flat Water Source
• Mosquito Creek Water Source
For more information about these changes, go to the proposed changes fact sheet and the report cards on the department’s website.

Events |

The DCCEEW will be hosting a webinar on the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2025.

This webinar on Tuesday 19th November 2024 from 12 noon will cover the following topics:

  • the draft water sharing plan
  • the public exhibition details, and
  • how to make a submission. 
A question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the webinar. Please include your questions when you register at the link below.
Alternatively email your questions to wspconsultation@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

There will also be a meeting in Bingara on Wednesday 27th November 2024. Register here

Member Updates |

On Monday 3rd Nov 2024 the NSW DCCEEW released the draft Gwydir Unregulated WSP with submissions due on Friday 13th Dec 2024. 
As part of this they have included an additional 327 prescribed wetlands. The plan includes aspects that are designed to improve protection of these newly created wetlands by restricting new surface water supply works and trade into these areas.
The draft plan proposes there will be no new works or trades allowed within or up to 3 km upstream of Ramsar listed wetlands or within a wetland displayed on the WSP prescribed wetlands map. The rules will not apply to replacement surface water supply works. 
The interactive map of these new wetlands is available here. Alternatively it can be accessed on the department weblink following. 
Our initial investigation of the map shows that several of these new sites are not wetlands. The selection of sites has most likely been via remote sensing using algorithms. The findings are unlikely to have been groundtruthed. 
To assist in managing this issue could you please
1. Look at the map for your properties to determine if you have one of these new wetlands on your country.
2. Determine if you support the inclusion of the area as a wetland. If you do then there will be restrictions on replacement on water supply works. There may be other restrictions into the future and you will need to consider what these may be. 
3. If you do not support the areas as a wetland you will need to provide evidence to support this. We are investigating what evidence is needed and will provide this information to you as soon as we can. 
The GVIA have had discussions with the department and the minister on this, and will be writing to them directly.
We will be preparing a submission on the draft WSP and are working to remove these new wetlands from the plan until there has been proper engagement with stakeholders.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Lou via email or phone

News |

WaterNSW pricing proposal to double cost of rural water

Rural water users in NSW could see their costs more than double over the next five years if IPART accepts the WaterNSW pricing proposal released today. 
NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said pricing proposal recommends hiking water bills by 21-24% every year for five years, adding up to $40,000 to a ‘typical’ farmer’s water bill by 2030.
“NSWIC is alarmed by this proposal and urges stakeholders across industries to understand the implications. Many stakeholders are not fully informed about the proposed prices, leaving them at risk of being unprepared until it is too late,” Ms Miller said.

Member Updates |

WaterNSW have today released their Pricing Proposal to IPART. There was an expectation for price increases, but 23% for High Security and 24% for General security is more than expected. 
There is also a proposal to have 32% increase for licenced Environmental Water, which is also proposed to be 100% fixed. 
There is proposed expenditure on fish passages ($108.8 million over five years or $21.8 million per annum) and cold water pollution ($47 million over five years or $9.4 million per annum) or $156 million over five years. These expenditures predominantly occur in Macquarie, Namoi, Gwydir, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys. There are currently five fishways required in the Gwydir at an estimated cost of $250m and cold water pollution at $74m. These are unlikely to be progressed far in the next five years despite having been legislated many years ago. 
The link to the nearly 200 pages is included. 

Events |

This month’s focus is on Water Sharing Plans, what they are and why we need them. The presentation will cover how water sharing plans are remade and outline which inland plans are due to be remade by 1 July, 2025 and how you can comment on the proposed changes.
Speakers from the Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water include:

  • Peter Hyde, Director Inland Water Planning
  • Antonia Morrow, Senior Advisor, Water Engagement team


Wednesday 16th October 2004, at 11am - 

Register Here

Submissions |

The GVIA support the original aims of a nationally compatible market, regulatory and planning based system of managing surface and groundwater resources for rural and urban use that optimises economic, social and environmental outcomes. We note that the establishment of water access entitlements (water rights) and planning arrangements to manage competing demands, are central to delivering these objectives.
The GVIA however are frustrated by the continued minimal open transparent engagement with all Australians now and during the development stages of the draft principles included in the NWA. Additionally, we are concerned that 20 years of challenging water reform across Australia has been disregarded. The National Water Initiative (NWI) was a foundation document that worked towards delivering a balanced approach to water management across Australia. It has made significant progress to address overallocation with the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) water take now well below Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDL). The NWA needs to move beyond over allocation acknowledging that it is no longer the major challenge impacting the health of our rivers, and address means to optimise outcomes from water for environmental, cultural, social and economic objectives.
The GVIA are concerned by the manner in which changes are being rushed through, and do not believe many of the principles are either appropriate to be included in a National Water Agreement or are fit-for-purpose as they have not been appropriately analysed nor discussed transparently with the state jurisdictions or those directly impacted by the principles.

Submissions |

We support the original aims of a nationally compatible market, regulatory and planning based system of managing surface and groundwater resources for rural and urban use that optimises economic, social and environmental outcomes. We however are frustrated that the federal department have released the discussion paper now. That there has been minimal open transparent engagement across all Australians now and during the development stages of The Paper. Additionally, we are concerned that 20 years of challenging water reform across Australia has been disregarded.
The organisation agrees that it is important to future proof the foundations of Australian water management and planning and address gaps through modernising. As such we recommend that the DCCEEW modernise the existing National Water Initiative 2004 in line with recommendations from the Productivity Commissions 2024 National Water Reform Interim report.
We do not agree that a re-write as signalled in the current discussion paper is necessary.

Submissions |

GVIA submission DCCEEW Draft 450GL Framework March 2024

The Water Amendment Act 2023 has made changes to the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan 2012. These amendments lifted the cap on buybacks, changed the way the 450GL can be recovered and removed the initial objectives of the 450GL from the southern connected system to the whole basin.
The original Murray Darling Basin Plan 2012 (the Plan) has achieved a significant amount, a fact the government should be actively promoting. 
Bridging the Gap is a crucial program aiming to achieve the valley based Sustainable Diversion Limit targets but there is concern that buy backs continue to result in “incidental over recovery”. As a valley directly impacted by over recovery, the Gwydir can assure you that the local community does not see the recovery of water over and above that required by the Basin Plan as “incidental”.
The GVIA appreciate that the extension of the timeframe for delivery was a practical step to push for the completion of the Plan. We are disappointed that the principle of the Plan; a healthy working basin with optimised social, economic and environmental outcomes, has been overshadowed by politics and that the focus is on volumes as opposed to the environmental outcomes, that include productive and resilient water dependent industries and communities with confidence in their long-term future.
The Government must recognise that simply adding more water is not the solution. Complementary measures such as fish passage, and progress on constraints measures as noted in 7.09 need to be implemented as they play an important role in water quality and the ability to get water to areas in the southern basin.

News |

Included is the NSW Irrigators Council September Newsletter. This includes commentary on;
Concerns raised by the Inspector-General for Water Compliance in an audit of DCCEEW, (federal) protocols to prevent insider trading on its Bridging the Gap (BTG) water buyback.
The release of the latest round of water buybacks under Bridging the Gap, aimed at recovering water to meet Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) in the Condamine-Balonne and NSW Border Rivers.
The National Water Agreement which introducers a range of concerning proposals under the 302 principles that the federal government is trying to rush though before the next election.
The National Ag Rally - and the complete lack of consultation with farmers in areas which are critical to the sustainability of the industry - our Chair Jim Cush joins the 1-2,000 at the front of parliament house. 

Member Updates |

The draft Regulation and negotiation guidelines outline the approach the NSW government will take when negotiating voluntary agreements with landholders affected by future environmental water deliveries at higher flow levels, or under different regimes, than current operating practice. It is proposed to apply to Murray-Darling Basin Plan initiatives, including the Gwydir Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program.
The Department hosted two webinars, and held small group information sessions in the Gwydir: 
The recording of the Webinar from the 23rd Sepember is available here 

Submissions are due by the 24th November 2024. and can be completed either via the form available here or email your form to admin.rrcp@dpie.nsw.gov.au (with the subject line Landholder Negotiation Scheme Regulation).

Separate written submissions can also be emailed to admin.rrcp@dpie.nsw.gov.au (with the subject line Landholder Negotiation Scheme Regulation), or mailed to:

Landholder Negotiation Scheme Regulation
Water Group
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Locked Bag 5022 Parramatta NSW 2124.

Floodplain Harvesting |

There are still a lot of our works approvals that are not compliant for FPH. If any members are having difficulties with their FPH licencing, such as having two cells in a storage, or having issues with getting meters installed, please let us know.
The team at WaterNSW are providing support to others in this space, so if you need help send lou an email on gvia@gvia.org.au

Events |

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is holding a farmer rally in Canberra to highlight the key issues impacting on Australian agriculture and its communities -- including the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. If you cannot make the rally NFF have a petition going.

 The Rally in front of Parliament House will begin at 11am on Tuesday, September 10. Further details can be found here - https://nff.org.au/national-farmer-rally/ . 

Member Updates |

On the 17th September 2024 we will be holding the 2023-24 GVIA AGM.
This is when we reappoint our committee, if you would like to join the committee, please complete the attached form and return to me via email: gvia@gvia.org.au. 
 

Member Updates |

Please find the link to the NSWIC August newsletter. This provides information on some of the top issues challenges water users and communities across NSW. 

  1. National Ag Rally
  2. Pricing Report
  3. Non-Urban Metering Review
  4. Sustainable Diversion Limits Compliance 
  5. Murray-Darling Basin Plan update 
  6. Aither Water Market Report
  7. National Water Agreement 

Member Updates |

GVIA AGM Notification
Date:       Tuesday 17th September 2024
Time:      10am
Venue:    GVIA boardroom 100 Balo St Moree

News |

The MDBA published the 2022-23 Sustainable Diversion Limit Accounts on 2 August. It shows water use across the Basin was 23 per cent below the 2022-23 SDLs, continuing the pattern of chronic and persistent water underuse since the 1994 Cap.

In NSW Basin valleys, water use was 16.6 per cent, or 1105 GL, under the state's SDLs for 2022-23.  The Gwydir diverted 26%, or 214.5GL less than its 2022-23 SDL.
Several other valleys were also well under, including: 

  • Barwon-Darling diverted 34 per cent, or 155 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL.
  • NSW Murray diverted 25 per cent, or 342.6 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL.
  • Macquarie-Castlereagh diverted 27 per cent, or 231 GL, less than its 2022-23 SDL
Since accounting began on 1 July 2019, water use across the Basin has consistently remained below the SDLs, accumulating a 5076 GL credit in unused water

Events |

The Water Engagement Roundup is a live monthly webinar about all ongoing and upcoming engagements and consultation on important water policy, reforms and programs for New South Wales, and includes a guest presentation topic each month. This month’s focus topic is a deep dive into some of our work under the Hydrometric Networks and Remote Sensing Program, following with an open question and answer session. 
Speakers from the Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water include:

  • Mustak Shaikh, Principal Remote Sensing/Geospatial, Water Knowledge
  • Kilian Vos, Senior Remote Sensing Analyst, Water Knowledge
  • Antonia Morrow, Senior Advisor, Water Engagement team


Register Here

News |

The most recent NSWIC newsletter provides details of some of the challenges being faced by water entitlement holders across NSW. The GVIA are working with NSWIC on the issues that will directly impact our region. Most critical at present is the Connectivity Panel report. Over the next few weeks we will provide you more insight into how or what actions we can progress. 

  1. Buybacks begin
  2. Cumulative threats to water access
  3. Northern Basin Connectivity Expert Panel report
  4. Coastal metering 
  5. Fish passage news update 
  6. Upper Murrumbidgee River Health Strategy 
  7. Coastal Sustainable Extraction Project

News |

Moderate rainfall and constant river flows were experienced across the Gwydir catchment during 2023–24. Major flooding occurred across the Gwydir River floodplain during March and April 2023. 
Water managers used water for the environment during the 2023–24 water year to support fish communities in rivers and create connections to the Barwon River, the Mallowa Creek, and low flows into the Gingham Watercourse to fill waterholes by season’s end. 
In planning for 2024–25, water managers have applied: 

  • a set of principles and triggers to guide the watering of key water-dependent assets
  • an adaptive approach to support fish and downstream ecological connectivity.


As of June 2024, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation outlook is neutral. That is, neither La Niña nor El Niño conditions are favoured as oceanic and atmospheric indicators have returned to neutral levels. International climate models suggest neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions will persist through the southern winter, but there are some signs that La Niña conditions could form later in the 2024–25 water year.

News |

WaterNSW has recently installed a new Hydrometric gauging station on Gurley creek at Tyrone road. This gauge will be able to provide river height data as soon as there is water in Gurley creek. There may be a delay in it's ability to provide accurate flow information.

Events |

On 4 July 2024, the Australian Government released the Framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water. 
The Framework sets out how the government will recover 450 GL of water for enhanced environmental outcomes. 
There are three programs:    

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is hosting a 60 minute an online public webinar to provide an update at 12:00pm (AEST) on 17 July 2024, including representatives from DCCEEW and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. More details and resources can be found here: https://linktr.ee/dcceew_water

Floodplain Harvesting |

As we look at the new water year, I would like to ensure that we do what we can to be FPH compliant. The latest update from WaterNSW indicates that the Gwydir have just over 11% of works approvals able to take FPH if we get an opportunity. There are a further 42% on a pathway to compliance, this means that there is a registration started in the DQP portal for at least one storage in the work's approval. To be compliant all storages in the works approval need to have primary storage meters installed, or there needs to be an approved Point of intake meter. We have been working to try to improve the regulations, but have made minimal progress, although there have been updates to survey requirements and subdivision in Zone A and D. Please reach out to your DQP to progress the installation of these meters. 
In the mean time if you have any questions please contact Lou in the Office on 02 67521 399

News |

General security (GS) licences and the Environmental Water Allowance (EWA)  in the Gwydir regulated river water source have received an allocation of 1% of their entitlement. Since the last assessment, rainfall has continued to elevate inflows above minimums and losses remain lower than the budgeted volume resulting in the 1% allocation increment. Inflows into Copeton Dam in June were 18.1 gigalitre (GL) and downstream tributary inflows added about another 3.0 GL to the system. Total essential supply demand was about 1 GL, and general security usage was approximately 1 GL. There were no EWA orders in June. Water currently available to GS water users totals 469.7 GL, or an average 92% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) account balance is about 89 GL or about 199% full.

News |

The program outlines the proposed strategic purchasing framework for the $100mill available to purchase aboriginal water. It will be delivered under an interim governance arrangement. The Commonwealth will hold entitlements until an enduring governance mechanism is designed. This governance mechanism will eventually take over the management of water entitlements acquired during the interim period. The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will commence purchasing entitlements under an interim governance structure that includes an Advisory Group and a Directorate composed of aboriginal People. The structure aims to ensure decision-making is culturally and commercially informed

News |

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has published the What We Heard Report from recent consultation on delivering the 450 GL.  

The report is the departments summary of feedback received on the Draft framework for delivering the 450 GL of additional environmental water.  It forms part of the department consultation.  
For a more detailed assessment the department website includes their: 

News |

The North West Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan was developed through consultation with a range of stakeholders. This plan covers 10 established pest species such as deer, pigs and rabbits.  The NSW Governments are looking for your input through a survey or via a submission.

Read the North West Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan and share your insights and feedback by completing the survey, answering the quick poll and/or uploading a submission by Monday 8 July 2024.

News |

Please find included the May newsletter from NSW Irrigators Council. The newsletter provides updates on the Connectivity Panel Interim report, the National Water reform, the federal budget and metering. 

News |

Expressions of interest open for the Murray–Darling Basin Community Committee

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to serve as members of the Basin Community Committee (BCC). Established under the Water Act 2007, the BCC plays a vital role in advising the MDBA and the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council on issues relating to water management in one of Australia’s largest river systems. MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said members of this Committee will provide essential input to governments as full implementation of the Basin Plan progresses and the Authority prepares for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.  “We need people with diverse views and experiences from right across the Basin to lend their voice on water and environmental management,” Mr McConville said.
Up to 6 vacancies will be appointed by the Authority for this round. They will commence in April 2025 for up to 3 years, offering a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Basin-scale water management decision-making.

Nominations close 11:30 pm on Sunday 14 July 2024. Information is available from The MDBA Careers page

Events |

The Moree AgTech Breakfast will be on Wednesday 19th June from 7:30 - 9:30am
Supported by UNE SRI and Cicada Innovations, the breakfast will delve into the future of agriculture, showcasing the power of technology and innovation in transforming Moree's and Australia's agricultural landscape.
Panellists include Oscar Pearse (Director of NSW Farmers Association), Lachlan Elworthy (Agronomist McGregor Gourlay), Jack Rickers (Hiringa Energy, green hydrogen), Sophie Venz (President of Young Aggies) facilitated by Brooke Sauer (owner & director of IntellectAg). Following the TED-style talks will be interactive discussions, Q&A and breakfast. 

Cost: $20

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/moree-ag-tech-breakfast-tickets-895726230267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Member Updates |

Water NSW have offered to provide members an opportunity for a pricing session. This presentation will provide an overview of the revenue cap and price cap options. This meeting is an opportunity for members to gain a better understanding of the proposals and to clarify or answer any questions members might have. The meeting is scheduled between 1:30 and 2:00pm on Monday 3rd June 2024. 
________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 484 138 118 191                        Passcode: g4mxGj

Dial in by phone

+61 2 8318 0010,,325704447# Australia, Sydney

Find a local number  Phone conference ID: 325 704 447#

Member Updates |

General security (GS) licenses in the Gwydir regulated river water source have received a further allocation of 4% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) has similarly increased in accordance with the water sharing plan rule. Cumulative general security allocation for 2023/24 has now reached 15% of entitlement.
Water currently available to GS water users totals 447.1 GL, or an average 88% of entitlement. The Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) account balance is 87.6 GL or 195% full.
General security water users can expect full access to their carried over account water, but no new allocation will be announced on 1 July.  
Floodplain Harvesting water access licence holders can expect a 100% allocation 1 July 2024.
Supplementary water access licence holders can expect a 100% allocation 1 July 2024. However, access to this water is subject to periods of declared supplementary flow.
Storage levels (as of 7 May 2024) • Copeton Dam is about 64% full – holding 878 gigalitres (GL).

Member Updates |

Current indications are that, due to generally good water availability including modest levels of extraction and likely good river flows associated with highly connected systems, all groundwater licence categories across all groundwater sources are likely to receive full or near full allocation on 1 July 2024 for the water year 2024-25.

Events |

Business NSW are conducting a re-run of the Workplace Law Training for Business Zoom webinar this Friday 17th May at 10am. It is free to register as a member of Moree Chamber of Commerce.
This is the 'blurb' to intro the webinar: Due to overwhelming popularity, we are excited to announce that we will run the Expert Industrial Relations Guidance: Workplace Law Training for Business webinar again, in partnership with Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Learn invaluable insights into the recent changes in workplace and industrial relations laws following the passing of the Closing Loopholes Bills.

You can register here:

https://businessnsw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vb226DQxTGKZnZUYN8iCdQ#/registration

Member Updates |

On the 1st and 3rd of May the NSW Government hosted two webinars on the Northern Connectivity Panel interim report.
The Recordings of both webinars are available online.
Throughout the webinars we attempted to gain some clarity as to the proposals, including how the recommendations were decided upon. At this stage we have not received current data which would enable us to analysis the impacts. 
As soon as we have an understanding of what this means for each of the various entitlement categories, we will let you know. 

News |

The NSW Irrigators Council April 2024 newsletter provides updates on issues important to irrigators across the state including;
The Connectivity Panel interim report
National Water Agreement
Water Market reform and
The Murray Darling Basin Update

Member Updates |

Today the NSW Government released the Connectivity Panel Report for the Northern Basin. We are currently reviewing and analysing the report. 
The DCCEEW will be hosting two webinars on the report proposals to enable the panel to present their findings and recommendations and take questions from stakeholders. .
Webinars (please follow the links to register)

About the speakers
  • Peter Hyde, Director Inland Planning, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
  • Amy Dula, Chair, Connectivity Expert Panel

Member Updates |

WaterNSW have made a Supplementary announcement below Boolooroo Weir, and finally also on the Gil Gil. Given the volume of water flowing in the northern part of the Valley we hope that there will be further announcements. They however are too late for many. This raises some real concerns and the GVIA are working with NSWIC to try to get a more appropriate outcome going forward. 
NRAR were on ABC Radio News this morning indicating that they will be monitoring FPH on the Gwydir and Northern Rivers.  Please ensure that you have a compliant primary meter before accessing any FPH.
NSW FPH Measurement Policy 

News |

The NSW Government have released their Non-urban metering what we hear report. The main issues raised were:
- Availability of DQP's
- Call for greater flexibility and
- Simplification
- Cost of compliance. 
The report focuses primarily on the survey responses, but does acknowledge issues with need to ensure data system and equipment standards are "fit for purpose". 
For FPH: "Just over half of submissions (n=15) received recommended that the floodplain harvesting measurement policy be reviewed to ensure that it is practically effective, arguing that it is impractical and not currently fit-for-purpose." More details are available in the report. 

Floodplain Harvesting |

Subject: Floodplain Harvesting – Water Supply Work Approval under the Water Management Act 2000.

DCCEEW have recently written to many members reminding you that you have a floodplain harvesting (FPH) work which cannot be included in your FPH water supply work approval (WSWA) because:
1. they do not have a Flood Work approval from WaterNSW
and/or
2. they require permission to occupy from Council, Crown Lands, or privately owned lands.

You will need to obtained the appropriate approvals or licences (lawful occupation, flood work approval or compliant with the legislation). You will then need to apply to WaterNSW to amend your WSWA to include these works. 

Application forms and supporting documents are available on the WaterNSW website.

We would encourage members to action changes if needed as soon as possible.

If you wish to discuss your situation further, please contact the approvals unit at floodplain.harvesting@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Floodplain Harvesting |

NRAR have indicated that they will be commencing a floodplain harvesting compliance campaign in the Gwydir. Members with licences to floodplain harvest can expect to receive a call from NRAR in the coming weeks.
NRAR will be checking on the progress you have been able to make with the installation of their equipment. This provides you all an opportunity to express the issues associated with progressing towards compliance and share any evidence of challenges, which may include issues with supply, installation or suitability to fit the policy to your operation.  

Events |

THe GVIA office will be closed from 22nd December 2023  through to 8th January 2024.

For any urgent inquiries, please call the office mobile numbers. 

News |

NRAR issued the following media release today confirming the NSW Government has two sets of rules for irrigators with water users with floodplain harvesting licences being treated inconsistently to all other water users - having no ability to nominate individual points of take and alternative systems, when a primary measurement device is not yet operable. Thus confirming the NSW Government intends to undermine the integrity of the process of issuing floodplain harvesting licences in the Gwydir Valley.

https://www.nrar.nsw.gov.au/news/water-users-cant-harvest-from-floodplain-during-wet-period-unless-they-have-compliant-meters

Information on NRAR's website on FPH Compliance is below

Floodplain Harvesting |

The department has updated the survey benchmark standard and guidelines. The 2 methods now available are: 

  1. Method 1 - AUSPOS (preferred option) 
  2. Method 2 - CORSnet–NSW post-processed static baselines (existing) 
AUSPOS is free and provides fast and easy online post processing services. It is also widely used by surveyors. Landholders have the option to have their surveys uploaded to the State Survey Control Information Management System (SCIMS). Benefits to uploading your survey data to SCIMS includes making adjustments to benchmarks if they have moved, without having to resurvey, saving you money over time. 

Following are links for more information on surveying curve guidelines and survey benchmark guidelines. 

Public works will be delivering workshops for surveyors in late february. If you require further information or assistance, you can contact the measurement team at: metering.reform@dpie.nsw.gov.au

News |

The Regional Skills Relocation Grant assists regional NSW businesses in identified industries attract skilled and specialised employees from NSW metropolitan areas, interstate or internationally, to regional NSW.
Grant amount: Up to $12,500
Application closes: 15 December 2023
The Regional Skills Relocation Grant aims to:

  • support economic growth in regional NSW by supporting businesses and organisations to find and attract skilled workers to live and work in regional NSW 
  • fill regional job vacancies
  • increase the strength, diversity and size of regional economies.


This program is funded and administered by Department of Regional NSW.

News |

Despite a concerted effort by NSWIC, NIC and NFF on Thursday 30th November the Controversial Water Amendment Bill. Labour did deals with the greens and cross benchers to pass a bill which has not had any regulatory impact assessment done on it and has removed to critical socio-economic considerations initially tied to the 450GL enhanced environmental outcomes for the southern connected system. 
This means the 5GL over-recovery from the Gwydir can now be attributed to the 450GL. 

News |

On the day the various Senate reports on the Water Amendment Bill were released, we thought it might be time to re-release Cold Fish. A humorous take on the serious issue of Cold Water pollution and the detrimental impacts it can have on native fish populations. It is disappointing that the Government is not considering complementary measure as a critical element to improving the health of our rivers. Instead, the Bill is focused on removing social economic considerations, removing the cap on buybacks and on chasing 450GL without regard to the environmental measures it was intended to achieve.  

Member Updates |

THe NSW Government are currently reviewing the non-urban metering framework. Submissions are due Sunday 26th November. We would appreciate any feedback you may have to include in our submission. 
The primary areas where we will be focusing are: The Data Aquisition System (DAS) and the issues associated with its functionality, Flood Plain Harvesting the practicality of the policy and the barriers to compliance, Availability of Duly Qualified Persons (DQP's) and availability of suitable meters. 
The issues and options discussion paper is available at the included link.

Member Updates |

Gwydir Valley Gwydir Valley Channel Capacity Constraints
18 October 2023
WaterNSW advises customers in the Gwydir Valley that if conditions continue to remain dry, demand is expected to exceed channel capacity throughout the upcoming summer irrigation season. Channel capacity restrictions will occur on the Lower Gwydir below Tyreel Regulator and are also likely to affect the Carole/Gil Gil Creek and Moomin Creek.
Rostering of available water will need to be implemented as was last experienced in 2017/18. Further information on individual licence unit shares that WaterNSW will utilise to implement channel capacity rostering will be provided at a later date.
Water orders can be placed by accessing iWAS at https://iwas.waternsw.com.au/iwas/login.iwas
Water ordering information can be found at the WaterNSW website https://www.waternsw.com.au/customer-services/ordering-and-trading/ordering-water
For account enquiries please contact 1300 662 077.

Submissions |

Recently the GVIA submitted to the Natural Resources Commission review into the Gwydir Regulated Water Sharing Plan. The Submission included a range of recommendations covering how the plan contributed to environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes. We raised concerns regarding the use of section 324 temporary restriction orders, FPH zones and trade limitations, channel capacity and the need for the Minister’s decision regarding supplementary water events to rigorously assess the potential for small supplementary flows in the Gwydir to contribute to the Barwon-Darling requirements. The GVIA recommended that there needed to be greater certainty for stakeholders around these limits and decisions to implement any limits or restrictions to supplementary access, to achieve Schedule 2 outcomes, a framework should be established as part of the long-term planning arrangements. 

Submissions |

The GVIA submission included 9 recommendations. In principle the extension of the time frames is constructive, there are however so other issues which are concerning. The following recommendations were included in the submission;

The GVIA recommends that over-recovered water be returned to the Valleys where it was acquired to enhance the sustainability of the environment and the communities within those valleys. We do not support the allocation of water that cannot contribute to environmental outcomes in the southern connected system being allocated to the 450GL water for the environment.
The GVIA recommends that socio-economic criteria for all programs under the 450GL target remain.
The GVIA recommends the reinstatement of the 1,500GL limit on water purchases.
The GVIA recommends the removal of “from time to time” to be replaced with a fixed time period, aligning with the completion all other measures within the Murray Darling Basin Plan (2012).

News |

DCCEEW hosted webinar about the Water Amendment Bill 2023 on 11 October 2023.

The webinar ran for 90 minutes with panel representatives from DCCEEW, MDBA, CEWH, BoM, ACCC and IGWC.
Questions raised during the webinar will be answered in the near future. Additional information from the department is available here

Events |

The Water engagement roundup is a live monthly webinar update about ongoing and upcoming engagements and consultation on important water policy, reforms and programs for NSW. This month we focus on the NSW Groundwater Strategy.


Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Time: 11:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales)

Duration: 1 hour

Metering |

The NSW Government have developed a Metering and Measurement Virtual Marketplace for water users to find and connect with installers and suppliers of non-urban metering and floodplain harvesting measurement equipment.  

Member Updates |

The NSW Government has committed to reviewing domestic and stock rights as part of the NSW Water Strategy (action 1.6). This survey is part of phase 1 of the review, which is focused on gathering and sharing information through community engagement.  Feedback received through the survey will help the government understand the level of awareness of domestic and stock rights and how these rights are understood, used and perceived. A summary of the findings of the survey and how they will inform the review will be published on our website.

News |

The Habitat Action Grants are funded from the Recreational Fishing Trusts which direct revenue generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee towards onground actions to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW. 
Angling clubs, individuals, community groups, local councils and organisations interested in rehabilitating fish habitats in freshwater and saltwater areas throughout NSW can apply for grants of up to $40,000.
Habitat rehabilitation projects which may be funded include:

  • removal or modification of barriers to fish passage
  • rehabilitation of riparian lands (river banks, wetlands, mangrove forests, saltmarsh)
  • re-snagging waterways with timber structure
  • removal of exotic vegetation from waterways and replace with native species
  • bank stabilisation works.


Grants are open until the 29th of September 2023

Member Updates |

Water Currently Available for Temporary trade
The GVIA have available 16 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing lou.gall@gvia.org.au before 5pm Tuesday, 31st October 2023. The buyer will be required to cover the WaterNSW fee of $332.88 (GST Free) and the GVIA transaction fee of $55.00 (Inc GST).

Job Opportunities |

 CottonInfo’s three key focuses are to:

  • Improve the rate and reach of R&D adaption and adoption
  • Enable successful cotton industry expansion
  • Respond to biosecurity threats and assist in the event of natural disasters
The Role

With the incumbent moving on, there is now the need for a replacement CottonInfo Program Lead. Reporting to the CRDC GM Communications and Extension and working closely with the joint venture partners, the role is responsible for leading the extension program and supporting a team facilitating the adoption of R&D in the Australian cotton industry.
The CottonInfo Program Lead is responsible for shaping, implementing and delivering against the CottonInfo strategic plan in this execution role, influencing the team delivering key information to market.
This includes delivering on KPI’s around:
  • Leadership
  • Achievement of goals
  • Implementation of campaigns
  • Facilitating engagement with industry  

News |

The Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust invites applications from people who are actively involved in water and environmental science, systems, advocacy, policy or management, to participate in our unique Leadership Program. This transformative Program is designed to foster courageous leaders who will drive the sustainable and equitable management of Australia’s waterways and natural environments. The PCT Leadership Program enables participants to develop their leadership capabilities, communication skills and ability to drive change.
Limited to 16 participants, this remarkable journey significantly changes the clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability of each participant, and enhances their capacity to take up leadership roles within their organisations and communities. 

Applications for the 2024 Leadership Program are now open, and will close on 15 October 2023. The 2024 Program will run across two sessions: 17-22 March 2024 and 19-24 May 2024. Further group work and meetings will occur online between these two sessions.

To apply for a position in the Program, please read the information provided in the links, prepare your application material, and submit via the online application form prior to the closing date. To apply you will need a current CV, statement of claim addressing the selection criteria, two current referees, and your ‘pitch’ for why you are the right match for this Program.

News |

Applications are open for the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP), the flagship program of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF). Over 30 diverse leaders from across rural, regional and remote Australia, come together for a series of unique and immersive experiences to develop their leadership capabilities. The program takes place over 15 months and develops the capacity of individuals as leaders in ways that are transformational in many, using face-to-face experiential learning supported by online engagement and peer-to-peer mentoring.The program will commence in June 2024 and finish in September 2025 (four sessions with over 40 contact days). For more information about the ARLP, visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/programs/australian-rural-leadership-program/
TO APPLY: You need to apply via our online platform - https://apply-rural-leaders.smapply.io/prog/australian_rural_leadership_program/. You will need to register first.

News |

The Australian Farm Data Code (the Code) was developed and adopted by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) in consultation with industry, and with support from the Australian Government. 
The Code is intended to inform the data management policies of product and service providers who manage data on behalf of farmers. It is also a yardstick by which farmers can evaluate the data terms and policies of those providers.
Benefits to farmers include:

  • increased awareness and understanding of the ways in which providers are collecting, using, and sharing their farm data;
  • a framework to compare providers and inform negotiations about data terms and policies; and
  • improvements to industry-wide data practices over time.
Benefits for service providers include: clear and agreed guidance on data policies and a helpful framework to inform discussions with farmers about data.

News |

Funding from the NSW Government through the NWLLS Has enabled the GVIA to manage the Gwydir Valley Strategic Pest Management Initiative. The aim is to assist landholders monitor and manage feral pigs in the Gwydir Valley. The most effective management of feral pigs involves a co-ordinated regional approach. As part of the project we are providing Gwydir Valley producers support for feral pig management. To get this support please complete the attached form and forward it with a copy of pig control invoices to Lou Gall at the GVIA office. 

Events |

The Australian Government has announced consultation into ideas and ways to finalise the Murray Darling Basin Plan. 

The Gwydir Valley has 5,000 ML of environmental water over the legal requirements for the Basin Plan and the consultation open at the moment presents an opportunity to highlight this and the inequity that exists for the region who has over-recovered water compared with regions that have progress still to make. 

Events |

DPE are hosting one-hour, on-on-one (in-person) session to help develop property measurement plans for floodplain harvesting.  

Venue: Moree Services Club, 3 Albert St, Moree

Time: 9:30 am to 5.00 pm 

Dates: Tuesday 27 June to Thursday 29 June 

Available times: 

  1. 9:30 am to 10.30 am
  2. 11.00 am to 12.00 pm
  3. 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm
  4. 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
  5. 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm. 


There are four bookings available for each time listed above, offering a total of 20 sessions per day. 

Register to attend a session.

News |

WaterNSW are seeking views from customers and the community regarding water pricing values and outcomes for 2025-2030.  
Considering it is water users that must pay for these outcomes and values, it is important that your views are received and understood by WaterNSW.  To make that happen we ask you to take the time to complete the survey.
The GVIA and other Customer Advisory Group members will have the opportunity to have input into this process but it starts with this survey. 

Member Updates |

Users with meters but no telemetry - if you have installed a compliant meter, your water usage is recorded by your local intelligence device (LID) to be downloaded once a year by the customer field officer.

There is only a requirement to report that usage monthly if telemetry is not installed - this can be achieved via iWas, or via the online the reporting options.

1. Online reporting form
2. PDF reporting form to be returned to WaterNSW



Member Updates |

Users who have pumping conditions (likely unregulated water users) - if you have a cease to take condition on your licence or work approval, you must complete a 'cease to take conditions do not apply form' when taking water.

This form must be kept on file with any other reporting requirements, for up to five-years.  

This recording requirement is in addition to any recording and reporting requirements for your water take, which is explained in the the other posts - Reporting - meters without telemetry and reporting - when there is no meter requirement.  

Member Updates |

Users who do not need a meter  - if it is determined via a DQP or via the use of the metering guidance tool that you do not need to install a meter, you are still required to record your usage, including BLR if relevant, and that cease to pump conditions do not apply and report this annually.

1 Record your usage both licenced and any BLR using the annual recording form.
2. Notify of your intention to take basic landholder rights.
3. Report take within 28 days of the end of the water year by submitting the required pages of the annual recording form to WaterNSW. 

Member Updates |

Users with meters who also want to take basic landholder rights - if you have installed a compliant meter and wish to take basic landholder rights (BLR) water (which is under reasonable use guidelines and is not licenced stock and domestic) through your licensed work, recording and reporting obligations apply whether you have installed telemetry or not.

1. Inform the intention to take BLR through the licenced work via the 'confirm your intention' form and record when it is being taken.

2. Report take via (a) iWas (b) online reporting form or (c) a PDF of the reporting form. 

Member Updates |

Users who have approved works that are active but you do not intend to take any water - if you are planning on not taking any water during specific months or throughout the year, you can indicate to WaterNSW you do not intend to use your work.  

If you decide to use your work, you can then revert to the appropriate metering recording and reporting requirements.

Complete this 'pause water take' form to inform WaterNSW that you will not be taking licenced water, this will then make you exempt from recording and reporting requirements.  

Complete this 'pause BLR water take' form to inform WaterNSW that you will not be taking any BLR (basic landholder rights for stock and domestic purposes which is unlicensed), this will exempt you from recording and reporting requirements. 

News |

We are delighted that our Project Officer, Lou Gall has been awarded a new opportunity to enhance her governance education as part of the Women’s Regional Rural & Remote Diversity Scholarship in partnership with @Australian Institute of Company Directors and with the support of the @Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women. Lou starts the program next month. #scholarships #governance.  
There are a range of future scholarship opportunities available via the AICD website.

News |

Following recent rainfall, WaterNSW have announced a 10% supplementary event for most sections of the rivers.  If water users do not intend to take supplementary water, please contact WaterNSW so that can be reallocated.
See WaterInsights update for details.


NOTE: following this event, Tareelaroi Weir is again out of action to complete the refurbishment works required.  This will mean you will not be able to order General Security or High Security allocation downstream of the weir until the works are complete.  This is planned to require around 7 weeks, up until end of May.

News |

NSW Government has extended the Farms for the Future grants which are available in our region.
These grants provide opportunities to upgrade your farm ag technology and connectivity improvements.
You must complete an online training program and farm plan to be eligible. Note also this program can be used for selected government telemetry connectivity and selected secondary devices for floodplain harvesting measurement.

Member Updates |

The GVIA currently have a couple of water parcels available for temporary sale including the following;
- 16ML Lower Gwydir ground water 
- 51ML Lower Gwydir ground water
- 30ML General Security
If you are interested, please forward an EOI to the GVIA

Events |

Monday 20th March - Learn about your local river, its cultural heritage and the creatures that call it home.
Join CottonInfo for a FREE, FUN and INFORMATIVE kayak trip at Moree's Tareelaroi Weir. You will hear from aquatic experts, entomologists and ecologists about what animals contribute to natural pest control in your region and what you can do to manage their habitats. 
Presenters: Simone Heimoana (CSIRO entomologist) – Pest Suppressive landscapes, Dr Rhiannon Smith (UNE ecologist) – Valuing biodiversity and how best to revegetate floodplains Dr Susan Fuller (QUT ecologist) – Innovative acoustic monitoring technology David Preston (DPIE) – Environmental flows and river management, Rodney Price (NSWDPI ecologist) – Fish Screening program, Jay Barnett (OzFish unlimited) – River Repair Bus, Kerrie Saunders (Yinarr-ma) – Cultural Heritage and bushtucker

Events |

Sundown Pastoral Company would like to invite you to join them for the 2022 Bayer Grower of the Year Field Day at Keytah, Moree on 21st February 2023 from 10am.

 Industry-led panel sessions will explore: 

1. Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

2. Customer expectations along the value chain.

3. The power of Supply Chain Traceability.

4. Adaptive Agriculture and Innovative Solutions for Growers

5. Practical Applications and Field Innovations

Please see your invitation included. A detailed agenda is available here.

Could you please share this information with your network as this will be a fantastic day where all aspects of the cotton supply chain from field to fabric will be explored. .

We hope to see you there! Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/L2FuBvymtxNgmuK16

Event Webpage: https://www.sundownpastoral.com.au/field-day/

News |

Tocal College are taking applications for their WHS & HR Fundamentals course (online). 
The course is designed for business owners, managers and supervisors and is delivered as 3 distinct topics (WHS, industrial relations and managing your team) over 16 weeks.  It starts Feb 20th, with applications closing Friday (Feb 3rd).

News |

The Australian Government Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program is open. The program will support grants valued up to $8 million per grant. The program will fund innovative and transformational practices that have the potential to positively influence (socially, economically and/or environmentally) the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of Australian farms from the impacts of drought and climate change. 
Projects will test, refine, and demonstrate the effectiveness (or otherwise) of yet to be proven farming practices in a robust scientific manner. The testing of these practices will underpin and assist to drive widespread adoption through increased evidence and by providing farmers with the confidence and information they need to try the practices themselves.

News |

Expressions of Interest (EIO) for the Regional Job Creation Fund are open. Attracting new investment to the regions and boosting job security will be the focus of the next round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government Regional Job Creation Fund. The Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants for regional businesses to expand operations and attract interstate and international businesses to relocate to regional NSW. 
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between $100,00 and $10 million for projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and ensuring businesses that might otherwise have to relocate can remain based in regional areas.
Expressions of Interest for Round Three will close 5pm Monday, 6 March 2023.  Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit detailed applications from May 2023.

Member Updates |

The Gwydir regulated river water allocation update for January has just been released.
There has been  improvement in the Gwydir regulated resource allowing for general security water allocation to increase by 11% of entitlement. The increment tops up account balances overall to 759 gigalitres (GL), or approximately 149% of entitlement. Environmental Contingency Allowance (ECA) is topped-up to its maximum limit requiring just 0.95 GL.
Rainfall in December 2022 was below average across the Gwydir catchment, with Copeton Dam receiving about 25 mm of rainfall in December, and storage inflows totalled about 10 GL.

Member Updates |

The GVIA AGM will be held on Thursday 9th February 2023 at 3:00pm in the GVIA Office 100 Balo St Moree. 
The meeting will also be available to members via teams. 
The AGM will be followed by a general meeting.  

News |

Moree Chamber have forwarded a  couple of Flood Impact Surveys. These help inform both local and state governments and may assist in future aid packages. It is important that these surveys provide information on impacts from businesses across our shire, so we would appreciate it if you could please complete them - it takes 2 minutes. 

The first one is from Moree Plains Shire Council, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022businessimpact

The second is a NSW State government survey, available here: https://survey.pwc.com/jfe/form/SV_e2wqc5xlElPlxu6

News |

The Gwydir is one of the first four regional water strategies that have been finalised by the Department of Planning and Environment. The plan covers three Priority areas;
1. Water for critical human and environmental needs
2. Sustainable water resources for new and existing users
3. Best use of existing water for the environment

News |

New local intelligence devices available for non-urban water metering reform  
Three telemetry-enabled local intelligence devices (LIDs) have been listed for use for non-urban metering, including one which can transmit data from multiple meters.  

 The new devices are: 

The FlowPRO Multipoint Monitoring System is the first listed LID that supports the transmission of data from multiple meters. It is a cost-effective solution for water users who can now purchase a single LID for use with up to 4 meters. 

Member Updates |

Landholder participation in the Metering and Telemetry Field Demonstration Project;

The Department of Planing and Environment (DPIE) have had good response from members wishing to participate in the 'Metering and Telemetry Field Demonstration Project' To proceed the DPIE need landholders to sign the 'Landholder Deed'. 
The Deed details the obligations of both parties, including work health and safety requirements, confidentiality and the treatment of personal information and special conditions around site access. Contractors are not able to commence any work, including site inspections until the Deed is signed by both parties. The installation schedule is being planned to group sites within geographic locations with a finite period in which the installations can take place. For participating landholders, the selected floodplain harvesting storages will be equipped with fully installed and compliant floodplain harvesting metering equipment, at no cost. Only those with signed deeds will be able to be included in the project. 
Questions about the Deed, or the project, can be directed to: Geordie Worland Fifteen50 Consulting geordie.worland@fifteen50.com.au 0497 279525

News |

NSW Government is requesting landholders impacted by recent flooding to report damages using the Natural Disaster Survey via the link below.

This information will be used to seek assistance and target the Government's response. It includes and esitimate of crop losses, infrastructure and repairs.

For isolated members needing emergency assistance for food supplies and medication contact SES 132 500.

For isolated members needing emergency assistance for animals contact LLS emergency hotline 1800 814 647 or visit Emergency Assistance For Ag & Animals - Local Land Services (nsw.gov.au).
 

News |

The Gwydir River peaked at Gravesend at 11:45pm on Friday 21st October 2022 at a height of 16.20m. as of 10am on Saturday 22nd October 2022 the Gwydir was falling at Gravesend, steady at both Pally and Yarraman. The Mehi was rising in Moree at this time. Please visit the History of Flooding page on our website for more information.  Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association Inc - History Of Flooding (gvia.org.au)
We have also linked to the MPSC website with more information. 

News |

The Bureau of Meteorology have provided an initial minor to moderate flood warning for the parts of the Gwydir Valley via NSW warnings - http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/flood/gwydirriver.shtml 

The region is currently on a widespread flood watch for minor to major flooding due to forecasted rainfall around the region.

Use the above link to keep updated with the announcements and follow the stream height data.

For a comparison on past floods, see our webpage a History of Flooding. 

For updates on Copeton Dam operations, which is under airspace management and adjusting releasing according to actual and forecast inflows, you are encouraged to register for the Early Warning Network via WaterNSW the river operators. 

News |

This year Mr Bernie George was awarded the prestigious Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Service to Industry Award.  Bernie is the Water Services and Compliance Manager at Australian Food & Fibre. Bernie has been delivering excellence in service to the cotton industry through various high-profile roles for over 30 years. He has worked in the Gwydir having been instramental in the development of the Auscott Midkin aggregation, and has represented various industry organisations including as Chair of the Cotton Australia Board and as a member of the National Irrigators Council and NSW Irrigators Council. It is wonderful to see Bernie recognised for his committment to the cotton and irrigation industry. 

News |

Keytah was announced as the 2022 Cotton Grower of the Year at the Australian Cotton Conference. Nick Gillingham, Keytah General Manager along with owners David and Danielle Statham are pictured receiving the award in August. Sundown Pastoral Company have been actively involved in irrigation efficiency research since 2009, they have willingly shared their experiences and understanding to help other producers adopt new and innovative technologies. The team are also farming St Ronans in Qld and have been instrumental in the creation of the Good Earth Cotton Company and FibreTrace. This award is well deserved and highlights that the Gwydir is still at the forefront of the Australian Cotton Industry. 

News |

At last NSW DPE recently confirmed that there is a new exemption for metering conditions for  "works used solely to take water under a basic landholder right".

This means, groundwater works in particular those that have an water access licence attached to the work ("the bore")  but you do not use it to irrigate, rather you only use it for stock and domestic purposes are now exempt from metering requirements.  This exemption is welcomed considering the cost implications for individuals with little benefit to the reform outcomes, as there is no water being used for irrigation anyway. 

You may want to inform WaterNSW to tag your work as not active for irrigation, however it is not a requirement. 

The below link refers to all the current exemptions available. 

Member Updates |

A reminder to ask members to keep their membership details current with the GVIA, including you current licence share information and subcatchment.  We are due to embark on this years membership request and ask that if you have made changes by buying or selling shares, to please let us know.  We will also be looking to send this invoice electronically, so please ensure we have the appropriate email on file - if you want to add a new email just ask or create a new contact via the website. 

With licences now delivered for regulated and unregulated floodplain harvesting, we also ask that you please provide the GVIA with these details, particularly licence type (regulated or unregulated), unit shares and management zone information for our member records.  

All of this information will assist us in ensuring we can keep our records current, target communications and keep you informed.  All member information is confidential

Email here

News |

NSW DPI Fisheries is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from water users who would like financial and logistic assistance to upgrade their water diversion (pump or gravity-fed channel) with a modern fish-protection screen.

Modern screens keep fish and debris where they belong – in the river and out of infrastructure. They feature a large self-cleaning surface area that maintains the volume of water extracted, while using a fine mesh that limits the extraction of fish from our rivers. 

We encourage all members with surface water offtakes to apply, regardless of whether you are located in the priority area along the Mehi River or not. 

Applications are easy - just your works details and descriptions.  Visit the website for more information EOI - Fish Screens Australia

News |

Water NSW have announced a rescheduling of the regulator works at Tarelaroi Weir until April 2023.

Works to have the regulator back fully operational will need to occur prior to the commencement of this season's delivery which will result in a 1-2 week shut down period for the Mehi/Moomin.  The gates must be properly reinstalled to allow full operations.  

News |

WaterNSW confirmed today that all the approvals have been implemented to enable floodplain harvesting licences in the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source and the Gwydir Unregulated Water Sources, where there is a licence with allocation available to take water. 

The  announcement confirmed that these licences can be used provided the total storage in Menindee Lakes is greater than 195GL.  The Menindee Lakes currently have a total of 1,958 GL storage or at 113% capacity, which is 1000 times more water than the drought limit triggers which restrict floodplain harvesting access. Restrictions are also removed when local in-valley flow targets can be achieved, these our outlined for each management zone in the WSP.

For a copy of the announcement, visit WaterInsights. 

News |

DPE have made an allocation announcement for supplementary entitlements of 0.79 megalitres per unit share brining supplementary entitlements to 100% availability, this has come in response to the issuing of replacement floodplain harvesting licences in the regulated and unregulated water sources with water availability of 1 megalitre per unit shares.  These licences are now fully enabled.

This for the first time brings all licences into the water management framework and with 100% availability for all forms of take with general security accounts at their maximum of 150%.

I'll note Copeton Dam remains on spill operations to maintain capacity to 100% and more information is available on our webpage linked below. 

To review the water allocation please see the Department website.

Member Updates |

Measurement requirements for FPH are due to begin - what do you need to do and by when?
If wanting to take FPH water immediately - licence holders must demonstrate that they can measure any take using one of the current approved pathways. You must visit iWas and take steps to initiate a measurement period within 24 hours of taking water.
However, as each device must be benchmarked and linked to the storage curve in the DQP portal, this is unlikely to be achievable immediately.
We recommend that a 91i form - self reporting of water take is lodged to demonstrate how you will be measuring take and reporting on iWas.

Floodplain Harvesting |

NSW DPE emailed the licence conditions and work approvals for the issuing of replacement floodplain harvesting licences on Friday.  They plan to make the final approvals to activate FPH licences today, 15 August 2020.  A water allocation announcement, for floodplain harvesting and for supplementary licences is also expected.

Members receiving a replacement FPH licence should check WaterNSW's iWas system as these licences should now be visible with your other entitlements.   

What does this all mean from today?

Member Updates |

NSW DPE will be consulting on updated groundwater trends and modelling outcomes in September 2022, to included updated climate and usage information and new scenario testing.  This is in response to feedback during the consultation last year on managing groundwater decline in the region. 

Note the DPE website indicated that for the Lower Gwydir groundwater source:

  • On 1 July 2022 there will be no change in the groundwater trading assessment process in the Lower Gwydir groundwater sources.
  • We plan to meet with stakeholders in the Lower Gwydir groundwater sources in September 2022 to undertake further consultation on what decisions the department may make to manage and limit groundwater level declines.
  • Any change in the trade assessment processes will apply from the start of a water year, ie not before 1 July 2023.

News |

In a milestone for water management in the region, the NSW Water and Environment Minister’s jointly amended the Gwydir’s water sharing plans to include floodplain harvesting, the take of water during floods.

This is the final form of water in the region to be licensed and has taken 20 years of delays and deliberations with licences to begin by 1 September 2022.

Zara Lowien, the Executive Officer of the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association whose members will be the first in NSW to be licenced for this form of take said this is not a win for northern irrigators, as it's often portrayed.

"On average water users in the Gwydir are losing 30% of their long-term access to flood water which will have more than a $90 million impact to our economy through less production" she said.

"Make no mistake, this is an environmental reform like no other.”

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