GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

Events

The department released the latest Gwydir regulated Water allocation update on the 6th February. There has been no allocation to general security (GS) licences.
The GS account balance is about 479 gigalitres (GL), or an average 94% of entitlement. Of this 144GL is HEW. 
The environmental water allowance (EWA) balance is about 73 GL, or an average of 162% of entitlement.
During January, total essential supply demand was about 3.8 GL, and GS usage was approximately 109.2 GL. Average GS account balance is 94%
Around 7.8 GL of EWA delivered during this period, resulting in an average account balance of 16@% as of 31st January.
All the forecast quantiles sit well below the historical flows, indicating that inflows from January to March 2026 will likely be lower than historical levels.

The GVIA currently has three ground water parcels available for temporary trade. Please email Lou at gvia@gvia.org.au if you have any questions. 

Current Tenders 2025-2026:

    • 1 x 38 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.
    • 1 X 53ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.
    • 1 X 31ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.

    Some members with FPH licences will not be using all storages in their works approvals to take water when the opportunity occurs. If this is the case you will need to make these storages inactive, now referred to as "classified as not taking licensed water". These storages  can be made active into the future if your situation changes. Please read the guide, and or watch the video. 
    Please follow the link included. Scroll down to the section Amend the works as not taking FPH water

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

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

    Further information:

    Mallowa: Target in the east have been inundated, some western areas yet to be inundated. Deliveries expected to finish mid-April 2026.
    Lower Gwydir:     The 3 month delivery of E-water to Lower Gwydir ceased on 26 December 2025. A total of 7,550ML entered the watercourse at Millewa, including 3,200ML of managed E-water. 
    Gingham: Deliveries commenced early December 2025. Target flow rate is 100 ML/d connect through to Boyanga Waterhole. Delivery target may continue past February.
    Whittakers Lagoon: Orders have been placed to fill Whittakers Lagoon to fill the lagoon before the end of January 2026.
    Mehi River flows: Delivery for fish to the lower Mehi commenced 13 December 2025. This flow will continue through Summer and into Autumn.
    Barwon River: In addition to the Mehi River flow releases from the Border Rivers and Gwydir valleys commenced over Christmas New Year. This event was designed to support base flows in the Barwon River between Mungindi and Walgett. Releases from Glenlyon and Copeton Dams are expected to cease early February 2026.

    National environment listing in MDB, just words not action

    15 January 2026, Canberra, ACT: Today’s announcement to list parts of the Murray Darling Basin floodplains as “critically endangered” under the updated Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) adds another layer of complexity to already heavy regulation in the Basin – and will achieve little without real investment in addressing delivery constraints and major threats like carp.

    The GVIA are currently looking for a Project and Policy Support Officer. 
    The project officer role would entail working on behalf of and in partnership with the GVIA Members to deliver requirements as detailed in projects.
    The policy support role will entail supporting the EO in the review and analysis of regulatory policy and provide support to Members in the interpretation and application of policy.
    The role would also support the EO in communication of water related issues to the wider community. 
    More detail are available in the attached position description.
    To apply or arrange to discuss the position please email the EO on gvia@gvia.org.au

    The Gwydir AWD released on the 12th Jan 2026 indicated that there was an estimated 6 GL of inflows into Copeton Dam and 2 GL from the downstream tributaries during Dec 2025, and therefore no allocation increment to General Security (GS) or ECA licences. 
    The average GS account balance is 115%, while the ECA account balance is 180%.
    During December, total essential supply demand was about 4.9 GL, and GS usage was approximately 29.9 GL. Around 6.9 GL of EWA delivered during this period.
    More information is available on the department website

    In partnership with the NSW Government, TAFE NSW has launched a free, 3-hour online course designed to fast-track qualified tradespeople into becoming duly qualified persons (DQPs). DQP's can: 

    • install and validate non-urban water meters 
    • ensure installations meet compliance and safety standards 
    • offer ongoing servicing and maintenance
    • support sustainable, responsible water management. 


    The following trades can apply: irrigation technician, plumber, instrumentation specialist, hydrographer, engineer, fitter-welder, closed conduit meter manufacturer, electrician, local intelligence device manufacturer, or telecommunications technician. 

    Environmental Deliveries in Gwydir

    Mallowa: commenced 5 Dec 2025 and are planned to continue through to April 2026. 
    Lower Gwydir:  commenced 3 Oct 2025 finishing shortly after 3 months of watering.  
    Gingham: commenced 1 Dec 2025 at of 50 ML/d increasing to 100 ML/d (maximum through raft) through to Boyanga Waterhole. Flows likely to cease Feb 2026. 
    Whittakers Lagoon: Is expected to fill early in the new year. 
    Mehi River: Lower Mehi fish deliveries commenced 13 Dec 2025 connecting with the Barwon River to create local fish movement between the rivers. 
    Barwon River:  CEWH and NSW CPHR are planning releases from the Border Rivers and Gwydir to support base flows in the Barwon between Mungindi and Walgett commencing in Dec, likely continuing for 3-4 weeks. Flows from the Gwydir will be via both the Mehi and the Carole – details are still being determined in conjunction with WNSW river operators.

     

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

    On behalf of the Committee of the GVIA I would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you to you all for your support of the GVIA. 
    I look forward to working with you in 2026. 
    Cheers 
    Lou

    The NSW Department have acknowledged that the current clause 57 currently doe While the intent of the rule hasn’t changed since 2004, we acknowledge that the rule as written hasn’t been implemented by WaterNSW since the 2022 amendment, and further it appears that the current clause wouldn’t operate as intended. They have amended the Access Licence Dealing Principles Order such that it effectively puts the restrictions to temporary trade under clause 57 (1) on hold until the end of May 2026. This is intended to provide further time to examine and address this problem. The intention is to revisit the rule in the plan to find a longer term resolution in 2026.

     The amendment order is available here:

    https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2025-703

    The NSW Government has announced two  funding opportunities
    1. Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program
    This program supports projects that enhance productivity, sustainability, and innovation across agricultural industries.
    Learn more and apply here: Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program | NSW Government
    2. Aquaculture Industry Development Program
    Designed to accelerate growth and innovation in aquaculture, this program provides funding for initiatives that strengthen industry capability and sustainability.
    Full details and guidelines: Aquaculture Industry Development Program Guidelines | NSW Government

    There is no allocation increment to general security (GS) licences in the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source this time. The GS account balance is about 619 gigalitres (GL), or an average 121% of entitlement.
    The environmental water allowance (EWA) balance is about 88 GL, or an average of 195% of entitlement.
    As of 30 November 2025, Copeton Dam received an estimated 9 GL of inflow, with downstream tributaries contributing a further 4 GL. 
    During November, total essential supply demand was about 3.4 GL, and GS usage was approximately 5 GL. Around 1 GL of EWA delivered during this period.

    MOREE Plains Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to adjust the Moree to Sydney flight schedule.
    The proposal is to remove the Saturday service, and put on an evening service on Tuesday. There is no proposal to change the existing time of the Tuesday morning flights which get to Sydney between 11:30 and 12:00. 
    The proposed schedule is available here 

    Temporarty Trade of General Security Entitlements

    We have recently determined that there are some components of the Gwydir WSP that are restricting temporary trade of General Security entitlements. Specific advice can only be determined via an application to WaterNSW. In general the assessments will entail the following: 

    The rule 57 (1) of the Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source 2016 states that a temporary trade is prohibited if it increases total allocation in the segments specified in table A of rule 55.  Increase in allocation means buying water into those segments in Table A. 
    That means, for temporary trade rule 57 (1) 

    • WaterNSW first look at where are the linked works of the buyer's access licence. If at least one linked work is in those segments specified in Table A, then rule 57 (1) is applied. 
    • If none of the buyer's linked works are in any of those segments (table A), then WaterNSW proceed with the rest of the assessment, because there is no risk of total allocation increase in any of the segments from Table A. 
    • If WaterNSW needs to apply 57(1) rule, they also look at the seller's licence linked works to see where the water could come from (other segments, same segment, mix), unfortunately there is no mechanism for WaterNSW to check where the seller is transferring the water from, if the seller licence has multiple works in different segments.


    Applying the rule 57(1) means calculating the total allocations of the buyer's segment from Table A and adding the proposed trade amount. If the calculated amount is below the permitted allocation amount in Column 2 of the Table A, they move on to the rest of the 
    assessment, however if the calculated amount is higher, then the transfer will be refused. 

    Farmers in the Basin are calling on the Federal Government to escalate water security for agriculture as a priority, following the findings of the Basin Outlook, published today which echoed findings from the National Climate Risk Assessment. 
    “All climate change scenarios will have significant risks on water security for Australian agriculture,” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien “farmers are adapting every day to changing climate, but can only adapt so far, water security is critical”. 
    “The Outlook modelling scenarios found the Basin will be both wetter and drier, with more extreme conditions with varying impacts and level of uncertainty around the Basin.” 
    “It is absolutely important that we consider climate change as part of the Basin Plan Review, but this needs to be fit for purpose, recognising the uncertainty, and extremes to both wet and dry.” 
    “We are concerned the document has over-generalised headlines, but when you look at the detail, there are a lot of unknowns and uncertainty,” said Ms Lowien. “That’s not to dismiss the work, rather that when Government responds to it, they need to consider its limitations which are very evident in the report.”
    NIC Media release available here

    The Member for Cootamundra/ Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke and local member Brendan Moylan spent many months putting together approximately 40 amendments to the Bill to make it fairer for irrigators and water users across NSW. 
    Together they ran and argued 39 amendments in the Lower House where they were voted down by the Minns Labor Government and the Greens.

    Our local representative worked very hard on this and are very disappointed by this result. The Link to the Hansard is below; 
     Water Management Legislation Amendment (Stronger Enforcement and Penalties) Bill 2025 
    Legislative Assembly Hansard - 12 November 2025 - Proof 
    Legislative Assembly Hansard - 12 November 2025 - Proof

    Steph Cooke 
    Legislative Assembly Hansard - 12 November 2025 - Proof 
    Legislative Assembly Hansard - 12 November 2025 - Proof

    Please see dropbox link which will take you to the videos of the contributions: 

    NSW DCCEEW are hosting a series of metering webinars:   Register Here
    9.30–10.30 am, Wednesday 26 November
    Focus topic: Metering exemptions and works classifications
    1.30–2.30 pm, Thursday 27 November
    Focus topic: Duly qualified person (DQP) installations for 100 ML+ entitlements
    5.30–6.30 pm, Thursday 4 December
    Focus topic: Self installations for 15 ML – under 100 ML entitlements

    • All works with total entitlement of more than 15 ML and less than 100 ML must have a pattern-approved meter installed by 1 December 2027 or their next works approval renewal date (whichever is the later) 
    • Works with total entitlement of less than 15 ML do not require a meter unless they are utilized for trading entitlement.
    • Surface water pumps of 500 mm diameter or more, and works in inland water sources with total entitlement of 100 ML or more must already have an AS4747 meter, LID, and telemetry, installed and validated by a duly qualified person (DQP) 

    "More water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin will be purchased from farmers and irrigators in a renewed push by the federal government to return 450 gigalitres of water to the environment.".....
    "He also flagged that the government is closely considering purchasing water from the northern part of the basin for the first time.
    "Recent advice from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority highlights the potential benefits of pursuing water recovery in the northern basin to contribute towards the 450 gigalitre target.
    "While this is not an adopted policy of our government right now, I will work closely with my department in considering this advice.""

    There is no allocation increment to general security (GS) licences in the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source at the end of October 2025.
    The GS account balance is about 623 gigalitres (GL), or an average 122% of entitlement.
    Environmental water allowance (EWA) remains the same as it has reached its maximum limit by 200%.
    As of 31 October 2025, Copeton Dam received an estimated 8 GL of inflow, with downstream tributaries contributing a further 2 GL. These inflows were insufficient to support an increase in GS water allocations. The current resource assessment is based on system conditions observed up to 31 October 2025.

    The New England North West AI Forum, in association with Telstra, and supported by Moree Business Chamber, is a must-attend event for regional businesses ready to harness the power of artificial intelligence. Hear from leading voices from across the region and beyond as they share their expertise and answer your questions. 
    Unlocking AI: Tools, Tactics and Transformation 
    Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 
    Time: 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM (includes networking lunch) 
    Venue: Social Co House, 157 Balo Street, Moree NSW 
    Tickets: Register Here 

    Cotton Australia recently released some information on what is required under the Fair Work Act 2009 with regards terminating an employee. It provides some interpretation of what is required by the Act from a procedural fairness perspective. 

    “This was a missed opportunity for Minister Watt to put politics aside and send a strong message about refocusing the Basin Plan on outcomes, not just numbers” said NIC CEO, Zara Lowien. 
    “At the MDBA’s invitation, Basin Leaders gathered in Adelaide to consider the recently released scientific evidence which found environmental priorities in the Basin have shifted and emboldened participants to work on solutions to move beyond ‘just adding water’”.
    “Stakeholders were focusing on how to achieve environmental outcomes and considering options to reduce invasive species and improve native fish populations, better integrate broader catchment management principles into Basin management, and how to efficiently get water onto floodplains.”
    “The announcement which targets additional environmental water, above Sustainable Diversion Limits and arguably with low environmental utility due to the uncertainty of constraints, was at odds the proactive and productive discussions”.

    MDBA

    The Murray Darling Basin Plan 2012 has achieved its goal to reduce diversions to Sustainable Diversion Limits delivering a healthy working basin with optimised social, economic and environmental outcomes. The Basin Plan Evaluation notes that flow-based outcomes have been achieved, there’s no need for more water as 72% of river flows are for environmental purposes.

    There are still many non-flow outcomes needing to be achieved.  The focus must be on getting better outcomes from existing water, by addressing barriers to improve environmental outcomes, including carp management, riparian management, fish screens and fish passage. It is in Australia’s best interest for water policy to focus on shared outcomes not politics into the future. The next MDBP must be a management plan not a volumetric plan.

    The Gwydir Unregulated WSP remains inactive. In early September the department released proposals for cease to pump restrictions on three water sources in the Gwydir. These were Copeton Dam, Moredun Creek and Tycannah Creek. These assessments were based on assertions that the water sources ecologically significant and under pressure from extraction. The assessments of the water sources considered only the potential risk (assumption of 100% of take being accessed) versus the actual risk. They failed to consider and metering data or inactive entitlements. For more information please read our submission. 

    WAMC’s prices for water management services will increase by an average annualised rate of 5% plus inflation over four years to 2028-29.
    They continue to apply water take charges to floodplain harvesting licences and have introduced an additional water management charge for floodplain harvesting to help recover WaterNSW’s incremental costs associated with floodplain harvesting.
    As  introduction of new WAMC prices were deferred by 3 months (i.e. from 1 July 2025 to 1 October 2025), the water management component of a typical bill will increase by 7.5% and the MAC by 3.9% on 1 October 2025. Typical bills over the full 2025-26 year will be equivalent to what they would have been if new WAMC prices had been introduced on 1 July 2025.

    Water Allocation Statement 5 Sept 25

    General security (GS) licences and ECA in the Gwydir Regulated River have received an increase of 48% of entitlement. This takes the GS account balance to 607 gigalitres (GL), or an average 119%, and increases the ECA account balance to its maximum allowable 90 GL or 200% of entitlement. 
    In August, Copeton Dam inflow was approximately 268 GL, with downstream tributaries contributing an additional 141 GL. 

    To get concurrence from the environment minister the NSW DCCEEW are proposing changes to access rules on the Tycannah Creek.
    * existing access rules prevent water being taken when there is no visible flow at an individual pump site.
    * proposed new access rules will prevent water being taken when flow is 2 ML/day or less at the Tycannah Creek Horseshoe Lagoon Gauge (418032). This rule is proposed to apply to all access licenses in the water source.
    Register to attend the in person meeting in Moree at 4:15 on Wednesday 10th September at Social Co in Balo St here.
    Register for the general webinar here

    To get concurrence from the environment minister the NSW DCCEEW are proposing rule changes to access entitlement in the Copeton Dam Management Zone.
    * existing access rules prevent water being taken when there is no visible flow at an individual pump site.
    * the proposal is to prevent water being taken when flow is 80 ML/day or less at the Gwydir River at Bundarra Gauge (418008). This rule is proposed to apply to all access licenses within the management zone.
    Register for the Webinar here

    To get concurrence from the Environment minister, the NSW DCCEEW are proposing to change access rules in the Moredun Creek Water source.
    * existing access rules prevent water being taken when there is no visible flow at an individual pump site.
    * proposed access rules prevents water being taken when flow is 80 ML/day or less at the Gwydir River at Bundarra gauge (418008). This rule is proposed to apply to all access licenses in the water source except for the single Domestic and Stock (Town Water Supply) subcategory access license which is exempt from access rules and pool rules.
    Register for the webinar here

    NIC media release.
    A new report by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC) found: "All 78 SDL resource units assessed for the 2023–2024 water accounting year were found to be compliant." 
    “The report confirms Sustainable Diversion Limits are being enforced and in fact, water diversions are well under these limits,” said National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Zara Lowien.
    “Getting water use below these Sustainable Diversion Limits was a huge feat, and it means 1 in 3 litres of irrigation water are now out of production and remain in rivers.”

     Please join us for the 2025 GVIA Annual General Meeting.
    This is also where we ask for nominations for the GVIA committee. The Committee is elected by members at the AGM, the only requirement is that the nominated member is a financial member of the Association and that nomination is endorsed by two other members.
    Please find included a link to the GVIA Committee Nomination Form.  This form must be completed and returned to the GVIA by Tuesday the 2nd September 2025.   Click here to RSVP for this Event through our website

    Three year Supplementary summary

    Please find included the latest updated on the three year supplementary volumes from WaterNSW as of Monday the 11th August. 

    NSWIC July Newsletter includes information on the following:
    1. Review of Murray Darling Basin Plan begins
    2. Stronger Enforcement and Penalties Bill 2025 
    3. NRAR enforcement action again BLR user
    4. Water for the Environmental Special Account

    Show More

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