Concerns Over Water Rule Changes in NSW Impacting Irrigators
Recent changes to water access rules in New South Wales (NSW) are raising alarms among irrigators. The unregulated water sharing plans for Gwydir, Namoi, and Macquarie threaten food and fibre production, with potential economic consequences for growers.

Changes to water access rules in NSW, affecting the Gwydir, Namoi, and Macquarie regions, have raised significant concerns among the NSW Irrigators' Council. CEO Dr. Madeleine Hartley indicated that alterations to cease-to-pump triggers may undermine the viability of small irrigation operations, impacting asset values and business sustainability.
These modifications could lead to reduced reliability of water access, particularly for small users in the Gwydir Valley and Namoi Valley. Dr. Hartley criticized the NSW Government's approach, emphasizing that water recovery should be voluntary and compensated. The implications of these rule changes could disrupt the irrigation industry, which is crucial for regional economies.




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