Residents in the Riverina region are being invited to have their say on a proposal to replace two river regulators in Billabong Creek, improving water management and environmental outcomes as part of the Yanco Creek Modernisation Project.

The proposed work at Hartwood and Wanganella aims to modernise ageing infrastructure.

It is proposed to replace two fixed crest structures with state-of-the-art regulators to improve flows, enhance native fish passages and increase environmental water delivery in the region.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed upgrades is now open for public comment on the DCCEEW website until 28 November and we are encouraging local people to lodge a submission before it closes.

The project is part of the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Program that is rolling out new infrastructure across southern NSW that will help meet the objectives of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by improving outcomes for rivers, wetlands and wildlife using less water.

The Yanco Creek Modernisation Project is one of five accelerated SDLAM initiatives that will help deliver up to 45 Gigalitres (GL) towards the 605 GL Basin target every year.

The state government says it will carefully consider everyone’s views before proceeding to the next stage of this State Significant Infrastructure project, with construction expected to get underway in 2025.

There will also be face-to-face community information sessions to enable residents to get a better understanding of the project and to ask questions.

These will be held at:

• • Wanganella Town Hall on Tuesday 12 November from 1-6pm.

• • Conargo Town Hall on Wednesday 13 November from 1-6pm.

You do not have to register to attend.

The Yanco Creek system links two of Australia’s largest rivers, the Murrumbidgee and Murray, via more than 800 kilometres of interconnected waterways across the Riverina region.