New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

WATER SHARING PLAN FOR THE LOWER LACHLAN GROUNDWATER SOURCE 2003 - REG 11

11 Objectives

The objectives of this Plan are to:

(a) protect ecological processes and biodiversity dependent on groundwater,

Note: The expected outcomes of this objective are that groundwater dependent ecosystems and their degree of dependency will be identified, and that there will be no loss of ecological values due to groundwater extraction.

(b) determine resource access and clarify reliability for groundwater users,

The expected outcomes of this objective are that: groundwater usage does not exceed the extraction limit; the rate of extraction does not induce detrimental changes to water quality; groundwater users have a clear understanding of resource access and reliability; sustainable economic benefits will be maximised; more flexible and efficient use of water will be facilitated; and, there will be equitable access to the groundwater source within the extraction limit.

(c) recognise and protect community needs that rely on groundwater, and

The expected outcomes of this objective are that: basic rights to access water will be protected; the rate of extraction will not induce detrimental changes to water quality; and, community well being is enhanced.

(d) provide for the recognition and protection of heritage sites and cultural values associated with groundwater.

The expected outcomes of this objective are that: heritage sites and cultural values associated with groundwater and their degree of dependency are identified; and, there is no loss of heritage and cultural values due to groundwater extraction.