More certainty for NSW communities

NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson said the meeting provided an important opportunity to recognise the hard work that has been done so far in implementing the Plan and the positive environmental outcomes already being seen across the Basin.

When it comes to managing water my view is healthy rivers, healthy farms and healthy communities,” Mr Anderson said.

“NSW has done much of the heavy lifting in delivering the Basin Plan, with over 1,000 GL of the 2,100 GL of water already recovered under the Plan coming from NSW water users alone.”

Mr Anderson noted that NSW is committed to delivering its commitments under the Basin Plan in a way that protects communities from negative social and economic impacts.

“Our communities and agricultural sector need to know they are protected from these impacts and this is something I have strongly represented to Ministers,” Mr Anderson said.

While Ministers acknowledged the positive outcomes already being achieved under the Plan, they recognised the need to be realistic about the challenges in implementing the shared commitments within the remaining timeframe.

“We have heard the message loud and clear from communities that they need certainty from government about how these key challenges will be addressed,” Mr Anderson said.

“During today’s meeting I called on Basin Ministers to agree that greater flexibility is needed to deliver the outcomes intended under the Plan.

“I am pleased that Ministers supported my recommendation that a clear plan will need to be developed with specific actions that will provide flexibility for delivering projects and dealing with shortfall towards Basin Plan targets. This plan will be presented at a Ministerial Council for agreement early next year.

“This action will provide a pathway to achieve the outcomes intended by the Basin Plan in a way that does not come at the expense of the communities that live and work in the Basin.”