New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

WATER SHARING PLAN FOR THE MACQUARIE AND CUDGEGONG REGULATED RIVERS WATER SOURCE 2003 - REG 62

62 Bulk transfer rules between storages

(1) High volume transfer releases shall be provided from Windamere Dam in sufficient time to prevent the storage volume of Burrendong Dam becoming insufficient to supply downstream basic landholder rights, access licence water allocations, the environmental water allowance for the Macquarie River and to meet any water losses associated with the delivery of that water.

(2) During the first year of this Plan the Minister shall develop rules for determining the pattern and volume of releases under subclause (1).

(3) Rules under subclause (2) shall consider the following:

(a) determination of volumes to be transferred,

(b) seasonality of flows,

(c) total duration of events,

(d) maximum discharge rates and their duration,

(e) rates of rise and fall in flow heights,

(f) access and agronomic requirements of land holders,

(g) ecological and geomorphological benefits,

(h) likely effects on native species and their habitat, particularly platypus and threatened aquatic species, and

(i) any other matters that may impact on the riverine environment or community.

(4) Prior to finalising the rules under subclause (2), advice should be sought from appropriate representatives from the local community along the Cudgegong River below Windamere Dam, and such advice should be in regard to the factors specified in subclause (3).

(5) Release dates and rates under subclause (1) shall be publicly notified.