Have Your Say On Draft Lachlan Un Regulated Water Sharing Plan

The draft Lachlan Unregulated River water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The draft plan sets out clear rules for fair and sustainable water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

It includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, basic landholder rights and cultural needs along with providing secure, legal and tradeable water access rights.

We’re inviting the Lachlan community to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on 20 December.

We’ll be holding a webinar on 28 November from 2pm to 3pm, where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

Face-to-face drop-in sessions will be held in Crookwell on 3 December between 10am and 12pm and in Cowra on 4 December between 10am and 12pm.

Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 18 November.

The draft includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with the requirements.

In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protections for specific wetlands in the region.

We want to hear the community’s views on these changes and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the draft plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.

To register for a session and to make a submission, visit: https://water.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-water-sharing-plan