GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

Events

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

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).

 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  

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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



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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Flood Impact Surveys

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

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

New local intelligence devices available for non-urban water metering

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. 

Metering and Telemetry Demonstration Project

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

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).
 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Please keep your membership details updated

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

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

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.”

NSW Government agencies are holding a information session for eligible floodplain harvest licence holders in Moree on Tuesday, 2nd August 2022.  Starting at 9:30am at the Moree Services Club.

This meeting is to provide you with the information to meet your new regulatory requirements - administration, measurement and reporting of these licences, which will be issued no later than 1 September 2022. 

It is a must attend meeting for all floodplain harvesting members and you will need to RSVP to the Department here.


The Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source and the Gwydir Unregulated Water Sources were amended and made available on Friday, 29 July 2022.

The updates include the floodplain as a source of water and the new account management, access and dealing rules for replacement floodplain harvesting licences which are due to commence no later than 1 September 2022. This is a major milestone for the near completion of the Healthy Floodplains Program in our region.

Update were also made to make these plans consistent with rules for the Basin Plan. 

The regulated plan can be accessed via sl-2022-429 (nsw.gov.au)

The unregulated plan can be accessed via sl-2022-430 (nsw.gov.au).

The Mehi River has been flowing quickly through Moree as Copeton Dam spilled to make room for recent inflows.  These flows were largely shared between the Carole Ck and the Mehi River.  The releases were then used to fulfil orders for water users who are planning to irrigate wheat and ensure on farm supplies are ready for the upcoming cotton season.  

Releases from Copeton peaked at 7,000 ML per day and have reduced to 1,600 ML per day.  Currently, there is just under 3,000ML/day visible under the bridge through town as per the picture. 

WaterNSW are actively managing Copeton Dam to 99% capacity unless water orders reduce this volume.

For more information visit WaterInsights - WaterNSW

The NSW Government has released a draft Groundwater Strategy which is currently open for consultation. The Strategy is available here for review.

Public webinars are available on 25th and 28th of July to hear about the strategy and its objective and priorities. 

The Gwydir region relies on a number of groundwater sources to maintain production during droughts as well as stock and domestic use around the catchment.  Groundwater also supplies many of our towns and commercial businesses.  

The GVIA will be participating in the public and targeted information sessions prior to preparing a submission. Please click the link for more information or to register for one of the public information webinars. 

Carbon is one of the topics getting attention at present. It is important for our members to understand what it means for them. To  help we are hosting the Gwydir Regional Carbon Forum in partnership with UNE, NSW DPI and the CRDC. We are looking to provide information on Sustainable Soil Management and how this links with a productive cropping system and Carbon. 

  • What is soil Carbon: Understanding, monitoring and measuring soil carbon. What levels could be expected as a baseline? What do producers need to know before they make any changes? How can they use existing/historic soil tests?
  • Understanding and measuring emissions: What is involved in making this assessment and how should producers go about collecting the information.
  • Data management: What data do producers need, where can it be stored, how can this be easily managed over time.
  • Tools that can assist producers and agronomist easily manage the Carbon space.
When: 3rd August 2022
Where: Town and Country Club, 5 Frome St, Moree
Start: 2:00pm

RSVP:  https://gwydircarbonforum.eventbrite.com.au

The NSW Government as enabled the establishment of replacement floodplain harvesting licences and mandatory metering conditions in regulation on 1 July 2022.

These regulations provide the framework to determine, issue and implement floodplain harvesting licencing in NSW.

The regulations provide for a temporary exemption to take rainfall run off collected in irrigation tailwater drains when no other overland flow is being intercepted - i.e. outside of floods.  This enables a consistent approach around NSW to ensuring irrigators can adopt best management practices and implement required environmental safeguards.

There were minor amendments to these regulations which can be summarised here.  

Local valley based water sharing plans must be amended to reflect the local implementation of these replacement licences. 

Copeton Dam is at 99% capacity with approximately 35,000 ML of surplus water available for allocation to accounts with airspace.  Currently all accounts are at their maximum and do not have airspace.

Copeton Dam is being carefully managed to a safe capacity. This means releases will beginning to occur to make airspace for upstream inflows.

Spill releases trigger unregulated flow rules below Copeton Dam and can be accessed as supplementary or higher priority licences such as general security of high security. Currently, WaterNSW have an expression of interest open for supplementary access.  Supplementary allocations are currently reduced to 21%.

NSW Government announced a starting allocation of 21% for supplementary water users.  This was a direct response to the Governments failure to amend the water sharing plans to enact replacement floodplain harvesting licences before the starting allocations were made as explained in this Department factsheet.
This is an inequitable and unfair outcome, directly undermining water rights  and we have communicated that directly and in writing to the Ministers responsible.
The water sharing plans are currently sitting with the NSW Environment Minister for concurrence.  We have requested urgent amendment to the plans. 
The regulations to enable licencing were again gazetted on 1 July 2022, since then the Department have issued notification of water supply work approvals for FPH.  This confirms the licencing program will be forging ahead however, the water sharing plan needs amendment before supplementary allocations can be reinstated.

Department of Planning and Environment have made their starting allocation announcements for Regulated Water Sources 2022-23.

Local water utilities and High Security Licences received 1 ML per unit share or 100% allocation.  These licences are secured with reserves for 2-years. 

General Security Licences are at their full account of 150% and therefore, no allocations were made as users carried over that water.  Copeton Dam remains at 99% meaning there is surplus water available for allocation for accounts that have airspace.  The next allocation is due before 7 July 2022.  

Supplementary Licences received only 0.21 unit share of 21% allocation.  This reduction is a direct response to the failure to issue floodplain harvesting licences and update the Water Sharing Plan for the Gwydir Regulated Water Source.  

The next draft of the Gwydir Regional Water Strategy is open for consultation this month with submissions due by 29 June 2022.  The strategy aims to provide a forward plan for priorities and actions for the region to work towards building resilience within our communities and industries through variable conditions. 

The GVIA attended the public sessions in Inverell and Moree this week where concerns regarding the lack of infrastructure options, the need for a forward thinking and equitable policy framework and the challenges with water delivery for all water users in extended dry periods was discussed.   

A webinar will be hosted on 20 June 2022 for more information visit the Department website. 

Gwydir High Security and General Security water users will end the water year with full accounts, as Copeton Dam remains full at 99% with accounts again topped up to the full limits. 

There remains 34.3GL surplus water in Copeton Dam even after this last announcement which can be allocated to accounts with airspace. 

IPART NSW have finalised water prices for the 2022-23 water year, agreeing to inflation only increases.  The outcome will see a 5.1% increase and will be felt by all water users, who are encountering significant input cost rises across their businesses.  With water availability high the cost increase will come at a time with farm production is also at its peak.  However users on a one-part tariff who do not use their allocation or licence this year, will need to absorb the increase as they have less opportunity to offset the rise through increased production. 

We have updated the pricing page with the current information. 

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