Active Management
Active Management
From 1 July 2020, the amended Water Sharing Plan for the Barwon Darling unregulated comes into effect. A number of new amendments have been implemented to improve the management of extractions in the Barwon Darling to provide for improved environmental benefits. These amendments include active management rules where WaterNSW will now announce when water in individual flow classes can be extracted.
Announcements will be made on flow forecasts, meeting the flow triggers outlined in the Water Sharing Plan, which means that water users will not need to monitor river gauges. Announcements will be set for the day to minimise confusion over access arrangements.
Monitoring Announcements for the Barwon-Darling
- From 1 July 2020, WaterNSW will issue announcements and flow advice via Water Insights. Licence holders must pump in accordance to their licence conditions and approvals in relation to these announcements.
- Licence holders are encouraged to subscribe here to also receive notifications directly via email and SMS.
Other 1 July 2020 Changes for Barwon Darling Licence Holders
- IDECs have been established for each licence holder to limit the volume of water that can be extracted on a single day. Licence holders can check their new IDEC on the NSW Water Register.
- Resumption of Flow Rules will also apply to ensure first flow after an extended low flow or dry period is protected so it remains in the system until downstream flows are adequately established.
- Licence holders will be issued new licence conditions and will need to adhere to the new mandatory conditions from the date they are deemed as issued.
- Some A Class access thresholds have been increased.
More Information
From 1 December 2020, environmental outcomes in the Barwon Darling will be improved by ensuring water that has been set aside for the environment is protected and allowed to flow down the system. Environmental water will be protected from extraction to enable connectivity from the northern NSW tributary river systems and the Barwon-Darling river system. When environmental water is in the Barwon-Darling flow triggers for access will be increased to take this water into account.
Additionally, from the 1 December 2020, WaterNSW will share water in the Barwon Darling to ensure extractions are managed so flow does not drop below the cease to pump triggers. WaterNSW will be implementing the Expression of Interest process to enable customers to indicate if they wish to take water and then WaterNSW will share access to water based on the individual IDECs.
There is additional information for Barwon Darling Licence holders via the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s fact sheets: