Groundwater applications increase

Lachlan Shire Council continues to work with NSW Government’s Critical Water Advisory Panel, to assess the impact of drought on people in the Lower Lachlan Valley river systems.

The NSW Government has noticed an increase in applications for groundwater allocations from landowners.

The NSW Government advises landholders that, due to current waiting times, they should consider their water supply options and apply as early as possible if they wish to access groundwater. Currently, applications for town water supplies and stock and domestic needs are being given priority while an improved prioritisation framework is being developed.

Information on the assessment process for applications to trade or access groundwater can be found on the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website:

www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/droughts-floods/drought-update/drought-information

and the WaterNSW application portal:

 www.waternsw.com.au/customer-service/water-licensing/applications-and-fees/apply-and-pay-online#stay

Further the NSW Government advises that information on the upcoming $2000 domestic water carting rebate program and other government drought assistance is available on the Department of Primary Industries website:

 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub/drought-assistance

Landholders may apply to ServiceNSW, located in Council offices, for the water carting rebate for regulated domestic river water users once the program is operational in February 2020.

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