THE NSW Government has taken an historic step to help coastal farmers produce more and better prepare for drought and bushfire by allowing greater water capture through an increase in harvestable rights.

Coastal farmers and landholders can currently store ten percent of the rain that falls on their properties, yet they will soon be able to better drought-proof their properties as the NSW Government increases their harvestable right to 30 per cent.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said these changes would improve water security for property owners and assist with reducing bushfire risk for coastal towns.

“The NSW Eastern Seaboard has some of Australia’s richest soil, making it a producer’s dream with the production of dairy, beef cattle, macadamias, potatoes and tomatoes contributing billions to the NSW GDP,” Mrs Pavey said.

“For our farmers on the coast this is just common sense for our communities.

“The increase came after the NSW Government undertook a long overdue review which included hydrological modelling and broad community consultation.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said an increase in harvestable rights to 30 per cent means landholders can store more water for domestic and stock use and agriculture, allowing some farming operations to continue for longer, protecting local jobs and boosting local economies.

“The change means many landholders in coastal catchments will be able to capture more water, while balancing the needs of the environment and downstream communities,” Mr Bromhead said.

The NSW Government will be undertaking detailed assessments of each individual coastal catchment over the next year to confirm the new limit is appropriate at a local level.

To balance this with the needs of the environment and downstream water users, water use will be restricted to domestic, stock and some agriculture uses, and farm dams will still only be allowed on first or second order streams.

These new rules will come into effect in early 2022 and the Natural Resources Access Regulator will enforce the strict rules.

By Tara CAMPBELL