The NSW Nationals in the state government are calling on the community to have their say on the draft Regional Water Strategy.
NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the draft strategy outlines options for securing water for places like the Namoi region over the next 20 years as population growth and climate change continue to put pressure on resources.
“Namoi is home to Tamworth, one of the largest regional towns in NSW, and is one of the most productive agricultural and mining regions in the state,” Mr Anderson said.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government are already investing in water security for the region through initiatives such as the proposal to build the new Dungowan Dam and the Chaffey to Tamworth Pipeline, which is now operational.
“Now, the government is seeking the community’s views on what else needs to be done to secure water for our region.
“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.”
NSW Nationals Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said 12 Regional Water Strategies were being developed across NSW, which were critical for informing future water infrastructure planning in the regions.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government are committed to supporting regional communities by improving water security and boosting economic opportunities,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We’ve just experienced one of the worst droughts on record and we must prepare our regions and make them more drought resilient.
“The strategies will determine the future water needs of each region, identify the challenges involved in meeting those needs and set out the actions we can take to manage risks to water security and reliability.
“Together we are building a safer and stronger regional NSW.”
The draft Namoi Strategy will be on display until April 9 and stakeholders and the wider community will have the opportunity to attend a webinar or face to face consultation sessions and provide their feedback.
The webinar session will take place from 10am – 12pm on Wednesday, March 31. The face-to-face general information sessions and Aboriginal engagement sessions will take place in various locations throughout March.
For more information and to register your attendance visit dpie.nsw.gov.au/namoi-regional-water-strategy.
