Draft Lachlan Surface Water Resource Plan
The draft Water Resource Plan, and proposed changes to the existing Water Sharing Plans, were on public exhibition from 29 November 2018 to 1 February 2019.
The public exhibition period provided valuable feedback that helped develop and inform proposed changes to the Lachlan Surface Water Sharing Plan and Water Resource Plan.
The fact sheet below outlines the main proposed changes.
Final draft Water Sharing Plan
- Final draft Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source 2020
- Final draft Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Unregulated River Water Sources 2012
- Final draft Water Sharing Plan for the Belubula Regulated River Water Source 2012
Please note: Plans may incur minor changes following final legal review and all changes are subject to concurrence from the NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment.
The changes between the public exhibition and the final draft can be seen in these track-changes versions (All changes may not be immediately visible due to template updates).
- Track change Water Sharing Plan for or the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source 2020
- Track change Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Unregulated River Water Sources 2012
- Track change Water Sharing Plan for the Belubula Regulated River Water Source 2012
For more information please email lachlan.sw.wrp@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Draft Water Resource Plan
The draft Lachlan Water Resource Plan, and resulting changes to the existing Water Sharing Plans, were on public exhibition from 29 November 2018 to 1 February 2019.
Water sharing plans continue to be the legal instrument for managing water resources in NSW. Water resource plans are put in place to implement the Commonwealth Basin Plan 2012.
The purpose of this draft plan
The purpose of the Lachlan Surface Water WRP is to set out how NSW will meet its obligations under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan 2012 in the Lachlan Water Resource Plan Area (WRPA). A WRP must comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the Basin Plan 2012 for it to be accredited under Division 2 of Part 2 of the Water Act 2007.
- Read the draft plan, schedules and appendices
- Read the fact sheets
Areas and water sources covered by the plan
The Lachlan Surface Water Resource Plan covers all the surface water resources of the Lachlan River Valley. It includes the regulated river system; unregulated rivers flowing into the regulated river system; unregulated effluent rivers flowing out of the regulated river system on the plains; and water captured through farm dams and floodplain water harvesting. Groundwater in the area is not included, and is covered by the Lachlan Alluvium WRP.
Public information sessions
Public information sessions were held at:
| Focus area | Public information session location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Belubula River | Canowindra | 5 December 2018 |
| Lower Lachlan River | Hillston | 6 December 2018 |
| Mandagery Creek | Forbes | 7 December 2018 |
| Lachlan River | Forbes | 7 December 2018 |
Fact sheets
While it’s important to read the Draft Lachlan Surface Water WRP, we’ve prepared some fact sheets to make the process easier. Here’s what you need to know about:
- Lachlan Regulated River Water Sharing plan - proposed amendments
- Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sharing plan - proposed amendments
- Belubula Regulated River Water Sharing plan - proposed amendments
For general fact sheets about water sharing plans, see General resources
Additional information
- Lachlan Regulated Surface Water: Water Resource Plan presentation - Belubula
- Lachlan Unregulated Surface Water: Water Resource Plan presentation
Draft water resource plan components for consultation
The Lachlan Surface Water Resource Plan has built on existing water planning arrangements such as the statutory water sharing plans and consists of the main body WRP (Chapter 1-8), accompanying schedules (A-J) and appendices, boxes, figures and tables. You can read them by clicking on the links below. We have also prepared fact sheets to help understand the development of the WRP.
A number of changes to water sharing rules are being proposed for the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source which the department is keen to receive feedback on. See WSP rule changes fact sheet to assist you in making informed comment.
There are a few changes to water sharing rules being proposed for the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources which the department is keen to receive feedback on. See WSP rule changes fact sheet to assist you in making informed comment.
There are a few changes to water sharing rules being proposed for the Water Sharing Plan for the Belubula Regulated River Water Source which the department is keen to receive feedback on. See WSP rule changes fact sheet to assist you in making informed comment.
Identifies the person responsible for implementation measures associated with each requirement in Chapter 10 of the Basin Plan.
- Schedule B: Water Resource Plan Index—appears in WRP on page 77
Reports on the consultation undertaken in the Lachlan area as part of the WRP process including the Aboriginal nations consultation.
The Lachlan Surface Water Risk Assessment has been prepared as a component of the WRP and identifies potential and emerging risks to water resources.
Outline of how the objectives and outcomes in the WRP are aligned with objectives and outcomes in the Long-term water plan (LTWP) and basin wide environmental watering strategy (BWS). Also identifies water management actions and mechanisms that provide for environmental watering.
- Schedule E: Planning for Environmental Water—appears in WRP on page 84
Overview of water for consumptive use in the Lachlan WRP area
- Schedule F: Water for consumptive use information—appears in WRP on page 107
- Appendix A to Schedule F. Lachlan Modelling - BDL Scenario report
- Appendix B to Schedule F. Lachlan Modelling - PBP Scenario report
- Appendix C to Schedule F. Lachlan Modelling - SDL Scenario report
- Appendix D to Schedule F. Belubula Modelling - BDL Scenario report
- Appendix E to Schedule F. Belubula Modelling - PBP Scenario report
The Lachlan Surface Water Incident Response Guide (IRG) has been prepared as a component of the WRP and outlines the approach for managing water during extreme water shortage or water quality events.
The Lachlan Surface Water Quality Management Plan has been prepared as a component of the WRP and identified risks to water quality and potential strategies to manage these.
A list of resources used to develop the WRP.
- Schedule I: Information and Tools used in preparing the WRP—appears in WRP on page 122
The Lachlan Surface Water Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation Plan has been prepared as a component of the WRP, and its implementation will be key to evaluating the effectiveness of the WRP in the future and informing any future changes.
The water resource description provides a comprehensive overview of the Lachlan water resource plan area.
The New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage is also exhibiting the draft Lachlan Long Term Water Plan (LTWP) to allow stakeholder feedback. The Lachlan LTWP is part of the Lachlan Water Resource Plan package and has been developed to inform and guide water management and environmental water delivery. You can view the draft Lachlan Long Term Water Plan and provide feedback.
A report on how the changes in the WSP have no net reduction on the protection of PEW.