Local farmers, industry and environment groups, and the wider community are being asked to comment on a draft water sharing plan for the rivers and alluvial groundwater within the catchments of Hastings River and Camden Haven River.
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Manager, Rural Water Planning, Lyndal Betterridge, said at the draft Hastings unregulated and alluvial water sources water sharing plan is one of the final plans being prepared in NSW for unregulated rivers and alluvial groundwater to be placed on public exhibition.
“The plan establishes how water is shared among water users, industry and the environment,” Ms Betterridge said.
“The draft Hastings plan covers 18 water sources and associated alluvial aquifers within catchments of Hastings River and Camden Haven River and includes the townships of Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, and Comboyne.”
Ms Betterridge said the draft plan includes rules for protecting the river environment, managing water extraction and facilitating water trading.
“Unregulated rivers and alluvial groundwater play an important role in providing water for the long-term security for local farming, industries, towns and the environment.
“The NSW government, rural landholders and the community all recognise that we must manage our rivers and groundwater sustainably. This water sharing plan is an important step in that direction.
Once finalised, the plan will be legally binding for 10 years, giving security and certainty for water users and the environment,” said Ms Betterridge.
The draft Hastings water sharing plan is on public exhibition until August 5 and may be viewed online at www.water.nsw.gov.au; Port Macquarie Library; Laurieton Library; Comboyne Community Centre and Café; and Wauchope Library.
