New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

WATER SHARING PLAN FOR THE NSW GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN GROUNDWATER SOURCES 2008 - REG 12

12 Basis for water sharing

(1) This Part is made in accordance with sections 20 (2) (a) and 20 (2) (c) of the Act.

(2) The overall basis for water sharing in the Eastern Recharge and Southern Recharge Groundwater Sources is the long-term average annual net recharge to the respective groundwater source which are estimated to be as follows:

(a) 19,000 megalitres per year ( "ML/year") for the Eastern Recharge Groundwater Source, and

(b) 42,400 ML/year for the Southern Recharge Groundwater Source.

(3) The overall basis for water sharing in Surat, Warrego and Central Groundwater Sources is the the volume of water required to maintain pressure levels experienced under the level of water extraction associated with the water entitlements, infrastructure and management rules in place at 1990 ( "sustainable pressure estimate equivalent") within these Groundwater sources, which is estimated to total 105,300 ML/year and to be:

(a) 75,000 ML/year for the Surat Groundwater Source,

(b) 22,400 ML/year for the Warrego Groundwater Source, and

(c) 7,900 ML/year for the Central Groundwater Source.

(4) The estimated volumes for water sharing in Surat, Warrego and Central Groundwater Sources in subclause 12 (3) (a), (b) and (c) may be varied through the granting of aquifer access licences and dealings so that they are equal to or greater than:

(a) 67,500 ML/year for the Surat Groundwater Source,

(b) 21,600 ML/year for the Warrego Groundwater Source, or

(c) 7,110 ML/year for the Central Groundwater Source,

provided that the combined totals of the volumes for these groundwater sources is 105,300 ML/year.

(5) The Minister may vary the long-term average annual net recharge estimate for each groundwater source established in subclause (2) after year 5 of this Plan, following further recharge studies that are acceptable to the Minister.

(6) The Minister may vary the sustainable pressure estimate equivalent for each groundwater source established in subclause (3) after year 5 of this Plan, following further pressure studies that are acceptable to the Minister.