New South Wales Consolidated Regulations New South Wales Consolidated RegulationsLevels of assessed contribution:
FULL-contributes to target in full
HIGH-while not fully contributing to target, there is a good level of contribution
PARTIAL-goes some way to contributing to the target
LOW-only small degree of contribution to the target
| Relevant target | Level of contribution | Comments |
| Target 1e The long term average annual extractions for groundwater limited (or being phased down) to an ecologically sustainable level (the Sustainable Yield) as determined by detailed assessment of each groundwater source and consultation with the relevant management committee. In the absence of such an assessment, the following to apply: 100 percent of average annual recharge for a groundwater source where there is no significant ecosystem dependency; 70 percent of average annual recharge where there is significant ecosystem dependency | PARTIAL | • This Plan clearly sets out the final extraction limit as 85% of estimated recharge.• While detailed assessment of groundwater dependent ecosystems was not undertaken, preliminary studies suggest that there may not be significant groundwater dependent ecosystems in this groundwater source.• This Plan provides for the extraction limit to be reviewed by 30 June 2010 and the extraction limit revised by up to 20%. |
| Target 1f Rules for adjustments to future available water determinations in the event that the extraction limits are exceeded, clearly prescribed in consultation with the relevant management committee, and acted upon | FULL | • Rules set out in Part 9. |
| Target 2 All management plans incorporating mechanisms to protect and restore aquatic habitats, and the diversity and abundance of native animals and plants, with particular reference to threatened species, populations and communities and key threatening processes | HIGH | • While detailed assessment of groundwater dependent ecosystems was not undertaken, preliminary studies suggest that there may not be significant groundwater dependent ecosystems in this area and the Lower Gwydir is a losing river.• This Plan prohibits new or replacement extraction bores within 200 metres of any designated high priority dependent groundwater ecosystems and 100 metres for basic rights bores, but these are not likely to be identified before 30 June 2010.• This Plan recognises the Minister’s right to take action to prevent local groundwater level declines, groundwater quality impacts, and to protect aquifer integrity.• This Plan provides for an assessment of groundwater dependency and variation in environmental health water by up to 20% before 30 June 2010. |
| Target 5 Access rights for water access licensees clearly and legally specified in terms of share and extraction components | HIGH | • This Plan establishes a transparent extraction limit and water allocation account rules.• This Plan embargos new licence applications.• Access rights are tradeable.• The local extraction rules means that future rights will not be exclusive but affected by the future location of works. Licences with existing bores will have priority over licences requiring new bores. |
| Target 6a For groundwater sources, the total volume of water specified on access licences reduced over the term of a water sharing plan to no more than 125 percent of the Sustainable Yield | FULL | • The total aquifer access licence share components for this groundwater source will be reduced to 100% of the final extraction limit at the commencement of this Plan. |
| Target 10 Degree of connectivity between aquifers and rivers assessed, and zones of high connectivity mapped to enable baseflows to the river to be maintained or improved | HIGH | • While detailed assessment of connectivity was not undertaken, preliminary information suggests that the aquifer gains water from the Lower Gwydir River and the river is not therefore dependent on any groundwater baseflow. The top end of the Gwydir regulated river around Gravesend is a gaining river but with low dependency on groundwater baseflows.• Groundwater extraction should not have significant impacts on discharges to the river and creeks. |
| Target 11 Groundwater dependent ecosystems identified and mapped for all priority aquifers, and the ecological water requirements assessed to enable local groundwater extraction rates and/or Sustainable Yields to be reviewed | PARTIAL | • While detailed assessment of groundwater dependent ecosystems was not undertaken, preliminary studies suggest that there may not be significant groundwater dependent ecosystems in this groundwater source.• This Plan prohibits new or replacement extraction bores within 200 metres of any designated high priority dependent groundwater ecosystems and 100 metres for basic rights bores, but these are not likely to be identified before 30 June 2010.• This Plan provides for an assessment of groundwater dependency and variation in environmental health water by up to 20% before 30 June 2010. |
| Target 12 Measures in place in all water sources subject to a gazetted water sharing plan to protect domestic and stock rights from the impact of other water access and use | HIGH | • This Plan has identified the volumes necessary to meet basic domestic and stock requirements.• It also protects domestic and stock bores from interference from higher yielding bores. |
| Target 13 The knowledge sharing, training and resources necessary to ensure that Aboriginal people have the capacity to be effectively involved in water management identified and addressed | PARTIAL | • 1 Aboriginal community representative has been involved in development of this Plan. |
| Target 14 Water sources, ecosystems and sites of cultural or traditional importance to Aboriginal people identified, plans of management prepared, and measures put in place to protect and improve them | PARTIAL | • No Aboriginal cultural or traditional sites or requirements have been identified.• This Plan includes a general objective for protection of cultural values.• This Plan prohibits new or replacement extraction bores within 200 metres of any designated high priority dependent groundwater ecosystems and 100 metres for basic rights bores, but these are not likely to be identified before 30 June 2010. |
| Target 16a All share components of access licences tradeable | HIGH | • Aquifer access licence share components and water allocations are tradeable. |
| Target 16f Zones established where necessary for environmental protection and limits/constraints on water dealings in them made explicit | FULL | • This Plan does not establish zones but does restrict transfers into the areas covered by the Gwydir Watercourse Plan of Management. |
| Target 35 All management plans incorporating water quality objectives that have considered Government approved Interim Environmental Objectives, the current Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council Guidelines and the recommendations of relevant Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiries | HIGH | • This Plan includes a general water quality objective.• This Plan establishes rules to protect water quality.• This Plan is explicit about the beneficial uses and criteria. |
| Target 38 Aquifer water quality vulnerability zones mapped and extraction limits reviewed to reduce the risk of lateral intrusion of poor quality water | PARTIAL | • No vulnerability mapping of area is referenced.• This Plan provides rules for managing lateral movement of poor quality water. |