GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

Events

Local Member questions 327 new wetlands

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

Water Sharing Plan Webinar

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

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.

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.

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.

NSWIC Newsletter

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. 

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.

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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: 

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.

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. 

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

Moree AgTech Breakfast

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

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#

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).

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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 

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. 

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.

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.  

Christmas office hours

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. 

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

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

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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).

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

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

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.  

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.

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