WATER sharing plans across NSW have been extended for another year to allow for a “genuine review”, NSW Natural Resources, Land and Water Minister Kevin Humphries said.
The State’s 31 water sharing plans, which commenced in 2004 and are set to expire in June, will now roll on until June 2015.
“I can confirm that all 31 of the water sharing plans that commenced in 2004 will be reviewed and updated,” Mr Humphries said.
The plans were already slated for a review this June, before a decision to extend them for another 10 years was made. But Mr Humphries said he wasn’t ready to act.
“Before this happens I want to see a genuine review into the plans and the issues previously raised by water stakeholders and irrigators, and that is why I have extended the life of the plans for another 12 months," Mr Humphries said.
“This is a vital opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to provide input in the plans, as we want to ensure that the water sharing arrangements incorporated in the plan are based on the best available information.”
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
