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 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 | FULL | • This Plan phases down extraction to 85% of recharge in each groundwater source. |
| 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 | • This Plan also prohibits
new or replacement extraction bores within 1000 metres (or 200 metres for
basic landholder rights bores) of any designated high priority dependent
groundwater ecosystems (Schedule 4 which nominates prior streams) or any creek
or river. Note: Part 10 sets out local impact management rules in response to local groundwater pressure or level declines, and groundwater quality impacts. |
| Target 5 Access rights for water access licensees clearly and legally specified in terms of share and extraction components | HIGH | • This Plan establishes transparent extraction limits and allocation/account rules.• This Plan embargos new licence applications.• Licences 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 | • By the end of the Plan total licence volumes are reduced to 100% of the sustainable yield. |
| 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 | PARTIAL | • There is little information currently available on connectivity.• Baseflows should be partially protected by maintaining extraction within extraction limits and by prohibiting new or replacement extraction bores within 1000 metres (or 200 metres for basic landholder rights bores) of any creek or river. |
| 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 | HIGH | • Groundwater dependent ecosystems are listed in Schedule 4.• They should be partially protected by maintaining extraction within extraction limits.• This Plan also prohibits new or replacement extraction bores within 1000 metres (or 200 metres for basic landholder rights bores) of any designated high priority dependent groundwater ecosystems (Schedule 4 which nominates only prior streams) or any creek or river.• Part 10 sets out local impact management rules in response to local groundwater pressure or level declines, and groundwater quality impacts. |
| 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 | • 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.• The environmental health provisions should protect dependent ecosystems of importance to Aboriginal people. |
| Target 16a All share components of access licences tradeable | FULL | • Licence volumes and water allocations are tradeable. |
| Target 16e Any unassigned access rights identified and clear mechanisms established for their future assignment | FULL | • Rules for grant licences are established. |
| Target 16f Zones established where necessary for environmental protection and limits/constraints on water dealings in them made explicit | HIGH | • This Plan also prohibits new or replacement extraction bores within 1000 metres (or 200 metres for basic landholder rights bores) of any designated high priority dependent groundwater ecosystems (Schedule 4 which nominates only prior streams) or any creek or river. |
| 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 water quality objective, and 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 in this Plan.• This Plan includes rules for managing the impacts of extraction on water quality. |