Water security makes waves in Barwon

Day one of NSW Parliament’s Investment, Industry and Regional Development Committee’s inquiry into state and federal water policy hearings were held in Deniliquin. Member for Barwon, Roy Butler attended and said a similar hearing will come to Bourke in August. Photo contributed

Communities across Western NSW are uniting in the face of critical water issues, as regional councils, residents, and state politicians rally to protect local water security and ensure long-term planning includes the voices of those who depend on the river system most.

Last week, Walgett and Collarenebri hosted community meetings with representatives from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) as part of ongoing consultation under the Northern Basin Fish Passage Program.

While the program aims to improve native fish movement through weir pools, residents and Council say it must not come at the cost of water access, cultural connection to the river, or town viability.

Walgett Shire Mayor, Cr Jasen Ramien did not mince words, saying Council was firm in its opposition to any reduction in the current weir pool.

“We will fight to the end,” he said. “We will not accept a reduction in the weir pool or water security for the Walgett Shire.”

At the Walgett session on July 31st, about 15 people attended, most of them from Council, including Acting General Manager Anthony Doyle and several councillors, as well as members of the Dharriwaa Elders Group. […]

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