What is floodplain harvesting?
Floodplain harvesting refers to the collection, extraction or impoundment of any water flowing across a designated floodplain. In relation to licensing, floodplain harvesting refers to the capture of rainfall runoff, whether contaminated or not, and overbank flow. The definition of floodplain harvesting has been outlined in the NSW Floodplain Harvesting Policy and would require the endorsement of the NSW Government to be amended.
Please note: If you hold a floodplain harvesting licence, this does not necessarily mean that you hold a flood work approval. For more information on flood work approvals, please visit our webpage.
Licensing
It is important that floodplain harvesting is licenced to ensure water is measured and managed in accordance with relevant rules and regulations. The licensing structure of floodplain harvesting provides a framework to limit extraction and ensure sustainable take is upheld. A floodplain harvesting licence authorises a water user to take water. Before water can be taken with a water supply work, that work must be nominated by a floodplain harvesting access licence.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) have consulted with landholders about the process of implementing rules and licensing frameworks for floodplain harvesting in the NSW northern basin areas. You can access information on floodplain harvesting rules in the following valleys:
Namoi Valley floodplain harvesting licence rules
The rules for floodplain harvesting access licenses in the Namoi Valley are in the development stage. These rules apply to both Regulated and Unregulated floodplain harvesting water access licences and include access rules, water account management and dealings.
Read more about floodplain harvesting rules in the Namoi Valey.
Macquarie Valley floodplain harvesting licence rules
The rules for floodplain harvesting access licenses in the Macquarie Valley commenced on 1 March 2023. These rules apply to Regulated floodplain harvesting water access licences and include access rules, water account management and dealings.
Read more about floodplain harvesting in the Macquarie Valley.
Gwydir Valley floodplain harvesting licence rules
The rules for floodplain harvesting access licenses in the Gwydir Valley commenced on 15 August 2022. These rules apply to both Regulated and Unregulated floodplain harvesting water access licences and include access rules, water account management and dealings.
Read more about floodplain harvesting in the Gwydir Valley.
Barwon-Darling Floodplain harvesting licence rules
The rules for floodplain harvesting access licenses in the Barwon-Darling Valley will commence on 1 April 2023. These rules apply to Unregulated floodplain harvesting water access licences and include access rules, water account management and dealings.
Read more about floodplain harvesting in the Barwon-Darling Valley.
NSW Border Rivers floodplain harvesting licence rules
The rules for floodplain harvesting access licenses in the NSW Border Rivers commenced on 15 August 2022. These rules apply to Regulated floodplain harvesting water access licences and include access rules, water account management and dealings.
Read more about floodplain harvesting in the NSW Border Rivers.
Things to consider when subdividing your floodplain harvesting work approval
Amendment to work approvals where works are located in Management Zones A and/or D may have implications if a customer seeks to link the amended/or new approval to a water access licence (WAL) as some dealings may be prohibited by the relevant plan.
WaterNSW recommends you seek independent legal advice.
What is the role of WaterNSW?
WaterNSW is responsible for the implementation of rules and policies in relation to floodplain harvesting including providing assistance to customers. WaterNSW is also required to assess, issue, and amend licences and approvals, bill water use and charges for floodplain harvesting customers.
Agencies
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) is responsible for making the state’s water laws and policies and is responsible for issuing some licences and approvals.
Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is NSW’s independent water regulator. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with, and enforcement of the state’s water laws.
Forms, fact sheets, guides
Applications
- Application for a new or amended water supply work and/or water use approval
- Application to amend approval for inactive or active works/storages
- Application to amend approval for inactive or active works - Floodplain harvesting
(PDF, 262.68 KB) - Application - Consolidate or consolidate and change a water access licence 71P(1b)
- Application - Sub-divide or sub-divide and change nominated works for a water access licence 71P(1a)
Guides
Frequently asked questions
Other resources
- WaterInsights - to access information about your river and the flow rate.
Related links
WaterNSW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. Learn more