AFTER one of the worst droughts on record, the NSW government is hoping to improve water security, and has drafted a first of its kind rural water strategy for the region.
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The Draft Namoi Regional Water Strategy was unveiled this week, and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson wants the community's views on it to help shape the region's future water plans.
The draft strategy is one of 12 currently being developed in NSW and will be critical for informing future water infrastructure planning in Tamworth, Narrabri and Gunnedah regions.
Mr Anderson said the government is already investing in water security for the region through initiatives such as the proposal to build the new Dungowan Dam and the now operational Chaffey to Tamworth Pipeline.
"Now, the government is seeking the community's views on what else needs to be done to secure water for our region," he added.
"Public consultation will help us understand what we need to do to balance the water needs for agriculture, business and towns, with environmental needs and the water rights of Aboriginal people."
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The strategy brings together the latest climate evidence with a wide range of tools and solutions to plan and manage the region's water needs over the next 20 to 40 years.
It also aims to understand how much water a region will need to meet future demand, identify the challenges and choices involved in meeting needs and set out the actions we can take to manage risks to water security and reliability.
The draft Namoi strategy will be on display for a six week period from March 3 to April 9.
Stakeholders and the wider community will have the opportunity to attend a webinar session to provide their feedback from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday, March 31.
Face-to-face sessions will be held in Tamworth on Tuesday, March 23 and Gunnedah on Wednesday March 24 from 9am to 12pm.
Following the review of the public exhibition period, further targeted engagement will be undertaken before the final regional water strategy documents are published.
For more information and to register your attendance visit https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/plans-programs/regional-water-strategies/public-exhibition/namoi
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Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
