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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Tamworth: 28 April 2005 DON'T RISK YOUR WATER LICENCE As the warm, dry conditions continue, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources has issued a general warning for irrigators to operate within the conditions of their licences.
Regional Director of the Department’s Barwon Region, Mr Randall Hart, said, “We are particularly concerned about the unregulated streams in the region. Many of these streams have stopped flowing and this means people should not be irrigating. Also, any remaining pools need to be protected for domestic and stock use and for maintaining local riverine habitat.”
All licences have a condition specifying the minimum flow that must be in a stream before pumps can be turned on.
“I understand the pressures of continuing dry conditions, but the licence conditions are set to ensure equity for all. If a licensee extracts water outside of those conditions it can detrimentally affect the access of those down stream. It can also lead to the licence being suspended, the individual prosecuted or even the complete cancellation of the licence.”
The Department has been increasing patrols in areas of concern across the region and will also consider options like a blanket ban on irrigation if climatic conditions worsen or water users are not respecting their obligations under their licences.
The Department has decided not to introduce any specific restrictions on groundwater extractions at this stage. However, groundwater levels will continue to be monitored and future restrictions cannot be ruled out.
“Managing land through a drought is bad enough, but we do not need to exacerbate the situation through individuals not obeying their licence conditions and inequitably taking water from other responsible water users," Mr Hart concluded. Anne Brook, A/Public Relations Officer 6764 5912
© NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources
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