A progress report on implementation of recommendations from the Northern Basin first flush review has been released today.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Director Water Planning Implementation, Allan Raine, said the progress report is the result of an independent panel's review of the 2020 Northern Basin First Flush event.
"On the back of one of the worst-ever droughts, the NSW government sought to protect the first flows down our northern basin tributaries and the Barwon-Darling using temporary water restrictions," Mr Raine said.
"The resultant flows restored town water supplies, provided much-needed stock and domestic water to those who live along the river and provided up to 18 months of supply in Menindee Lakes."
"The independent panel, with community input, made a range of important recommendations that we must act on".
"I'm pleased to say we are making significant progress on the panel's recommendations and to keep the community up to date, we have released the first of a series of progress reports."
"A significant advance includes the formation of a connectivity stakeholder reference group to provide advice on connectivity in relation to low and no flow events, as well as during during a first flush."
"The group is also providing input into developing triggers for implementing temporary water restrictions during periods of extreme dry so that critical human and environmental needs can be met."
"During 2022 we will be consulting more broadly with regional communities on the proposed triggers," said Mr Raine.
