Have your say on draft Murrumbidgee water sharing plan

The draft Murrumbidgee Unregulated River water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The draft plan sets out clear rules for the fair and sustainable sharing of surface water among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

This includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, ensuring basic landholder rights and social and cultural needs are met and providing secure and tradeable water access rights.    

It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.

"We’re inviting the Murrumbidgee community to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on Friday 13 December," a NSW Government spokesperson said.

"We’ll be holding a webinar on Tuesday 12 November at 12.30pm, where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback."

Face-to-face meetings will also be held on Thursday 21 November in Cooma from 3pm to 5pm and in Griffith on 19 November from 10am to 12pm.

Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week of 11 November.

“Water sharing plans are vital tools for managing our state’s water resources, and the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River water sharing plan is no exception." NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Water Planning Giselle Howard said.

“We want to hear your feedback on the draft now so we can continue to manage the region’s water fairly and sustainably over the next 10 years.

“We want a plan that works to protect basic landholder rights, social and cultural needs and provides water for the environment. We need to set limits on how much water can be taken to help ensure our rivers, aquifers and waterways remain healthy and resilient.

“This is about making sure everyone gets their fair share, while also protecting the long-term health of our water resources and the vibrant ecosystems that rely on them.

“Submissions are open until 13 December, and we invite everyone to have their say.”

"The draft uses the latest data and includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.

"In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protection for specific wetlands in the region.

"We want to hear the community’s views on these changes and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.

"Plans are in place for 10 years and are audited after the first five years to ensure they are working effectively and appropriately."

Click to register for a session and make a submission.