New South Wales Consolidated Regulations New South Wales Consolidated RegulationsThe objectives of this Plan are to:
(a) protect the natural seasonal variation of low flows during dry periods,
(b) protect the initial flow in natural freshes,
(c) protect a high proportion of moderate and high flows,
(d) protect a high proportion of the natural inundation pattern and distribution of floodwaters supporting natural wetland and floodplain ecosystems,
(e) mimic natural flow variability of medium and high flows,
(f) maintain rates of rise and fall of river heights within their natural bounds for medium and high flows,
(g) provide a reserve of water that can be used to assist in management of critical environmental contingencies,
(h) contribute to maintenance of estuarine processes and habitats,
(i) contribute to maintenance of the ecological condition of this water source and its riparian areas over the longer term,
(j) mitigate the impacts of instream structures,
(k) mitigate downstream water quality impacts of storage releases,
(l) maintain water supply priority for basic rights for domestic and stock access licences at all times,
(m) maintain a highly reliable supply of water to towns to meet the existing and potential population needs of urban communities,
(n) provide clarity of rights for holders of regulated river (high security) access licences,
(o) provide a defined level of water supply access to the irrigation industry,
(p) provide clarity of access to supplementary water,
(q) contribute to protection of recreational and tourism opportunities, and
(r) recognise priority for traditional water rights of Aboriginal people.