Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009

Part 1 Introduction

Note—

Part 15 allows for amendments to be made to Part 1.

pt 1, note: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [1].

1 Name of this Plan

This Plan is the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009 (hereafter this Plan).

2 Nature and Status of this Plan

(1)  This Plan is made under section 50 of the Water Management Act 2000 (hereafter the Act).

(2)  This Plan is a plan for water sharing, and generally deals with the matters set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Act.

3 Date of commencement

This Plan commences on 1 August 2009.

Notes—

1 In accordance with section 43 of the Act, this Plan will have effect for 10 years from 1 July 2010.

2 The Minister may extend this Plan for a further period of 10 years after the Plan is due to expire, in accordance with section 43A of the Act.

cl 3: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [2].

4 Water sources to which this Plan applies

(1)  This Plan applies to the following water sources known as the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources (hereafter these water sources) within the Lower North Coast Water Management Area:

(a)  the Avon River Water Source,

(b)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  the Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(d)  the Bowman River Water Source,

(e)  the Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(f)  the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(g)  the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(h)  the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(i)  the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

Note—

This water source excludes alluvial groundwater downstream of the tidal limits.

(j)  the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

Note—

This water source excludes alluvial groundwater.

(k)  the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(l)  the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(m)  the Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(o)  the Rowleys River Water Source,

(p)  the Upper Barnard River Water Source,

(q)  the Upper Manning River Water Source,

(r)  the Myall Lakes Water Source,

Note—

This water source excludes alluvial groundwater downstream of the tidal limits.

(s)  the Myall River Water Source,

(t)  the Coolongolook River Water Source,

Note—

This water source excludes alluvial groundwater downstream of the tidal limits.

(u)  the Wallamba River Water Source, and

Note—

This water source excludes alluvial groundwater downstream of the tidal limits.

(v)  the Karuah River Water Source.

(2)  These water sources are shown on the Plan Map called Plan Map (WSP001_Version 2), Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009 (hereafter the Plan Map) held by the Department.

Note—

The Plan Map is part of this Plan. An overview of the Plan Map is shown in Appendix 1. Copies of the Plan Map may be inspected at offices listed in Appendix 2 and are available on the NSW legislation website.

(3)  Subject to subclause (4), these water sources include all water:

(a)  occurring naturally on the surface of the ground within the boundaries of these water sources shown on the Plan Map,

(b)  in rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands within the boundaries of these water sources shown on the Plan Map, and

(c)  contained within all alluvial sediments below the surface of the ground within the boundaries of these water sources shown on the Plan Map (hereafter the alluvial sediments in these water sources).

Notes—

1 Alluvial sediments is defined in the Dictionary.

2 This Plan also applies to the alluvial sediments below the surface of the ground within the Karuah River Water Source which were not included in the Water Sharing Plan for the Karuah River Water Source 2003 .

(4)  These water sources do not include:

(a)  any water contained in alluvial sediments downstream of the tidal limit in these water sources,

Note—

This exclusion applies to the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source, Myall Lakes Water Source, Coolongolook River Water Source, Wallamba River Water Source and part of the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source.

(b)  any water contained in the coastal sands in these water sources,

(c)  any water contained in fractured rock aquifers and basement rocks in these water sources, and

(d)  rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands downstream of the mangrove limit, except Khappinghat Creek in the Wallamba River Water Source and Myall Lakes in the Myall Lakes Water Source.

Note—

The mangrove limit is defined in the dictionary.

(5)  This Plan, as amended by the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 replaces the Water Sharing Plan for the Karuah River Water Source 2003.

cl 4: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [1]–[3]. Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [3].

5 Management zones

For the purpose of this Plan, the following water sources are divided into the following management zones and are shown on the Plan Map for these water sources:

(a)  Upper Barrington River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Upper Barrington River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Upper Barrington River Management Zone,

(b)  Bowman River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Bowman River above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone,

(ii)  Craven Creek Management Zone, and

(iii)  Lower Bowman River Management Zone,

(c)  Cooplacurripa River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Cooplacurripa River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Cooplacurripa River Management Zone,

(d)  Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Lower Barrington River Upper Reaches Management Zone,

(ii)  Lower Barrington River Management Zone, and

(iii)  Lower Gloucester River Management Zone,

(e)  Upper Gloucester River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Upper Gloucester River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Upper Gloucester River Management Zone,

(f)  Lower Barnard River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone, and

(ii)  Lower Barnard River Management Zone,

(g)  Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Landsdowne River Management Zone,

(ii)  Dawson River Management Zone,

(iii)  Cedar Party Creek Management Zone, and

(iv)  Manning Estuary Tributaries Management Zone,

(h)  Nowendoc River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Nowendoc River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone,

(i)  Rowleys River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Rowleys River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Rowleys River Management Zone,

(j)  Upper Manning River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Upper Manning River Headwaters Management Zone, and

(ii)  Upper Manning River Management Zone,

(k)  Myall River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Upper Myall River Management Zone,

(ii)  Tidal Myall River Management Zone, and

(iii)  Crawford River Management Zone,

(l)  Coolongolook River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Wang Wauk River Management Zone,

(ii)  Upper Coolongolook River Management Zone, and

(iii)  Tidal Coolongolook River Management Zone,

(m)  Wallamba River Water Source is divided into the:

(i)  Khappinghat Creek Management Zone,

(ii)  Upper Wallamba River Management Zone, and

(iii)  Tidal Wallamba River Management Zone,

(n)  Karuah River Water Source:

(i)  Karuah Upriver Management Zone, and

(ii)  Karuah Estuarine Management Zone.

cl 5: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [2]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [4] [5].

6 Amendment of this Part

The Minister may amend this Part to:

(a)  amend (including to amend the boundaries of) an existing water source or management zone in these water sources, and

(b)  establish new or additional water sources or management zones in these water sources.

Note—

In instances where in-stream structures such as weirs are removed, this is likely to result in a change to the tidal limit of the water source, and a resultant change in the boundary of the water source and management zones, where applicable.

Note—

The Plan Map for these water sources may be amended or updated from time to time including as a result of any amendment made by this Plan.

cl 6: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [2].

7 Interpretation

(1)  Words and expressions that are defined in the Dictionary in Schedule 1 to this Plan have the meaning set out in the Dictionary.

(2)  Unless otherwise defined in this Plan, words and expressions that are defined in the Act or in the regulations made under the Act have the same meaning in this Plan.

(3)  Unless otherwise specified in this Plan, a clause that applies to a category of access licence also applies to any subcategories of that category of access licence.

(4)  The Dictionary and Schedules to this Plan form part of this Plan.

(5)  Notes in the text of this Plan do not form part of this Plan.

(6)  Appendices to this Plan do not form part of this Plan.

cl 7: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [6].

Part 2 Vision, objectives, strategies and performance indicators

8 Vision, objectives, strategies and performance indicators

This Part is made in accordance with section 35 (1) of the Act.

9 Vision

(1)  The vision of this Plan is to provide sustainable and integrated management of these water sources for the benefit of both present and future generations.

(2)  This Plan also recognises the following respect statements for Aboriginal values in these water sources:

(a)  life-giving water is of extreme significance to Aboriginal culture for its domestic, traditional and spiritual values, and

(b)  whilst water supplied for the environment will provide protection for native flora and fauna, water for fishing, food gathering and recreational activities, it is important that the community respects the spiritual significance of water to the Aboriginal people.

9A Acknowledgement

Respect is paid to the traditional owners of this country, who are acknowledged as the first natural resource managers within these water sources.

cl 9A: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [7].

10 Objectives

The objectives of this Plan are to:

(a)  protect, preserve, maintain or enhance the important river flow dependent and high priority groundwater dependent ecosystems of these water sources,

(b)  protect, preserve, maintain or enhance the Aboriginal, cultural and heritage values of these water sources,

(c)  manage these water sources to ensure equitable sharing between users,

(d)  protect basic landholder rights,

(e)  provide opportunities for market based trading of access licences and water allocations within sustainability and system constraints,

(f)  provide sufficient flexibility in water account management to encourage responsible use of available water,

(g)  provide recognition of the connectivity between surface water and groundwater, and

(h)  adaptively manage these water sources.

Note—

For the purposes of the Inter-governmental Agreement on the National Water Initiative (2004) the environmental and other public benefit outcomes provided under this Plan includes:

1.  the important river flow dependent environmental, Aboriginal, cultural and heritage values of these water sources are protected, preserved, maintained or enhanced,

2.  these water sources are managed to ensure equitable sharing between users, and

3.  basic landholder rights of owners, or occupiers, of land are protected.

11 Strategies

The strategies of this Plan are to:

(a)  establish performance indicators,

(b)  establish environmental water rules,

(c)  identify water requirements for basic landholder rights,

(d)  identify water requirements for access licences,

(e)  establish rules for granting and amending of access licences and approvals,

(f)  establish rules that place limits on the availability of water for extraction,

(g)  establish rules for making available water determinations,

(h)  establish rules for the operation of water accounts,

(i)  establish rules which specify the circumstances under which water may be taken,

(j)  establish access licence dealing rules, and

(k)  identify triggers for and limits to changes to the rules in this Plan.

cl 11: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [8].

12 Performance indicators

The following indicators are to be used to measure the success of the strategies of this Plan to reach the objectives of this Plan:

(a)  change in low flow regime,

(b)  change in moderate to high flow regime,

(c)  change in surface water and groundwater extraction relative to the long-term average annual extraction limit,

(d)  change in water quality in these water sources,

(e)  change in the ecological condition of these water sources and their dependent ecosystems,

(f)  the change in the extent to which domestic and stock rights and native title rights requirements have been met,

(g)  the change in economic benefits derived from water extraction and use,

(h)  the change in the extent to which water has been made available in recognition of the Aboriginal, cultural and heritage values of these water sources.

cl 12: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [9].

Part 3 Basis for water sharing

13 Basis for water sharing

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

14 Climatic variability

This Plan recognises the effects of climatic variability on river flow and groundwater level variability in these water sources by having provisions that manage:

(a)  the sharing of water in these water sources within the limits of water availability on a long-term average annual basis,

(b)  the sharing of flows that occur in specified water sources on a daily basis, and

(c)  water extraction to maintain groundwater dependent ecosystems.

15 Extraction management unit for these water sources

(1)  The availability of water for extraction from these water sources on a long-term average annual basis will be determined at the level of an extraction management unit.

(2)  The extraction management units for these water sources are the Manning Extraction Management Unit, the Great Lakes Extraction Management Unit and the Karuah River Extraction Management Unit (hereafter these Units), and are shown on the Plan Map for these water sources.

(3)  The Manning Extraction Management Unit consists of the following water sources:

(a)  Avon River Water Source,

(b)  Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(d)  Bowman River Water Source,

(e)  Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(f)  Dingo Creek Water Source,

(g)  Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(h)  Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(i)  Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

(j)  Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(k)  Lower Manning River Water Source,

(l)  Mid Manning River Water Source,

(m)  Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  Nowendoc River Water Source,

(o)  Rowleys River Water Source,

(p)  Upper Barnard River Water Source, and

(q)  Upper Manning River Water Source.

(4)  The Great Lakes Extraction Management Unit consists of the following water sources:

(a)  Myall Lakes Water Source,

(b)  Myall River Water Source,

(c)  Coolongolook River Water Source, and

(d)  Wallamba River Water Source.

(5)  The Karuah River Extraction Management Unit consists of the Karuah River Water Source.

cl 15: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [2]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [10] [11].

16 Flow reference points

(1)  Subject to subclause (4), for the purposes of this Plan all flows referred to in clause 17 (1) are measured flows at the flow reference point(s) for each water source or management zone specified in clause 17.

(2)  The Minister may amend this Plan to add or remove flow reference points, including if there are any changes to flow classes under clause 17 (2) of this Plan.

(3)  The Minister may amend the flow reference points in the Myall River, Coolongolook River, or the Wallamba River Water Sources, during the term of this Plan, based on the outcomes of further field verification or studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (h) of this Plan.

(4)  If, in the Minister’s opinion, accurate flow data is not available on a particular day from a flow measuring gauge used to determine a flow class, the Minister may determine the flow class that applies for that day and notify the licence holder in writing of the flow class that applies for that day. For the purpose of this subclause, notification includes publishing a notice on the Department’s website.

(5)  For the purpose of determining the flow class that applies on a particular day under subclause (4), the Minister may take into consideration evidence of past and current flows and readings at other functioning upstream and downstream gauges.

Note—

On days that accurate flow data is not available, holders of access licences may contact the Department’s office at the address listed in Appendix 3 or check the Department’s website to find out what flow class applies on that day.

Note—

The Plan Map for these water sources may be amended as a result of the establishment of, or changes to, flow reference points under this Part.

Note—

In the event of any failure of a flow reference point in these water sources, flow classes in the water source may be imposed pursuant to an order made under section 324 of the Act.

cl 16: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [1] [2]. Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [4]. Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [12].

17 Flow classes for these water sources

(1)  This Plan establishes the following flow classes as the basis for sharing of daily flows from these water sources:

Note—

Any restrictions specified in an order under section 324 of the Act, for these water sources, may be based on local Water User Association rostering arrangements.

Note—

It is recognised that Water User Associations (WUAs) exist in many areas and play an important role in low flow rostering and sharing of water between users. Where appropriate the flow classes specified in this Plan reflect the existing sharing arrangements of these groups. It is intended that WUAs will have an ongoing role in water management and continue to assist in reducing the frequency of triggering the very low flow classes specified within this Plan.

Note—

The following flow classes apply to all access licences extracting from surface water specified for each water source from the commencement date of this Plan, excluding those access licences to which clause 19 (3) (f) applies and access licences that nominate a work that is a runoff harvesting dam. They will also apply to all aquifer access licence holders taking water from alluvial aquifers within 40 metres of the high bank of the river from year six of this Plan, excluding aquifer access licenses in the Karuah River Groundwater Source. For those aquifer access licences outside 40 metres of the high bank, flow classes in clause 17 (1) will not apply except where provided for under clause 67 (3) and (4) of this Plan. For those aquifer access licences in the Karuah River Water Source, the flow classes will not apply until 1 July 2021 as provided for under clause 67 (9) of this Plan.

(a)  for the Avon River Water Source, as measured at the Gloucester River at Gloucester Gauging Station (208020):

Note—

The Gloucester Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Upper Gloucester River Water Source.

(i)  no Very Low Flow Class is established by this Plan,

(ii)  no A Class is established by this Plan, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are greater than 23 megalitres per day (hereafter ML/day),

Note—

23 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

Flow classes may be determined through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). A gauging station is located in the Avon River Water Source (Avon River downstream of Waukivory Creek) but flows will be correlated to the Gloucester River Gauge until further gauging is undertaken on the Avon River.

(b)  for the Upper Barrington River Water Source, as measured at the Barrington River at the Forbesdale (Rocky Crossing) Gauging Station (208006):

Note—

The Forbesdale Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source and is commonly known as Rocky Crossing.

(i)  until 1 August 2016, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 39 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 32 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

The estimated 98th percentile (which is currently estimated to corresponds to 2.6 ML/day) will be referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and the estimated 97th percentile (which is currently estimated to corresponds to 3.0 ML/day), or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, will be referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river. Further gauging is required to establish the percentile flow values more accurately.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 39 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 32 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump level may be amended to a level no less than the 99th percentile (which corresponds to 23 ML/day) and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 61 ML/day).

(c)  for the Lower Barrington River Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, as measured at the Barrington River at the Forbesdale (Rocky Crossing) Gauging Station (208006):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 39 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 32 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

32 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 98th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 39 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 97th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, A Class is when there is a visible flow and less than or equal to 373 ML/day, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 39 ML/day and less than or equal to 373 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 32 ML/day and less than or equal to 373 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B class is when flows are greater than 373 ML/day,

Note—

373 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than the 99th percentile (which corresponds to 23 ML/day) and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 61 ML/day).

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger a review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

(d)  for the Bowman River Water Source, as measured at the Gloucester River at the Doon Ayre Gauge (208003):

Note—

The Doon Ayre Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source.

(i)  until 1 August 2016, no Very Low Flow Class is established by this Plan, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 40 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 27 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

27 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 98th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 40 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 97th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, no A Class is established by this Plan, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 40 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 27 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a) to a level no less than visible flow and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 68 ML/day).

(e)  for the Nowendoc River Water Source, as measured at the Nowendoc River at the Rocks Crossing Gauge (208005):

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 61 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

61 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 64 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 61 ML/day on a falling river,

(f)  for the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, as measured at the Nowendoc River at the Rocks Crossing Gauge (208005):

Note—

The Rocks Crossing Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Nowendoc River Water Source.

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 61 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

61 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 64 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 61 ML/day on a falling river,

(g)  for the Rowleys River Water Source, as measured at the Nowendoc River at the Rocks Crossing Gauge (208005):

Note—

The Rocks Crossing Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Nowendoc River Water Source.

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 61 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

61 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 64 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 64 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 61 ML/day on a falling river,

(h)  for the Dingo Creek Water Source, as measured at the Dingo Creek at the Munyaree Flat Gauge (208019):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, no Very Low Flow Class is established by this Plan, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than the 97th percentile or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, on a rising river, or equal to or less than the 98th percentile on a falling river,

Note—

The estimated 98th percentile (which is currently estimated to corresponds to 2.6 ML/day) will be referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and the estimated 97th percentile (which is currently estimated to corresponds to 3.0 ML/day), or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, will be referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river. Further gauging is required to establish the percentile flow values more accurately.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, no A Class is established by this Plan, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than the 97th percentile or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, and less than 92 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than the 98th percentile and less than 92 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are equal or greater than 92 ML/day,

Note—

92 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than visible flow and no more than the 95th percentile (which is currently estimated to correspond to around 4.4 ML/day). A review of the 50th percentile at year five of this Plan may provide a revised B Class flow as specified in clause 17 (2) (b).

Note—

Management via a Water Users Association, or an alternative mechanism, to assist in limiting the taking of water below the gauging station, given that it is not located at the end of the water source, and is upstream of a number of extractors is important for the equitable implementation of the flow class.

Note—

Flow classes may be amended under clause 17 (2) (g) of this Plan, following the installation of infrastructure at a point further downstream than existing infrastructure within the water source.

(i)  for the Lower Gloucester River Management Zone and the Lower Barrington River Management Zone of the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, as measured at the Gloucester River at the Doon Ayre Gauge (208003):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 40 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 27 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

27 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 98th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 40 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 97th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, A Class is when there is a visible flow and less than 548 ML/day, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 40 ML/day and less than 548 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 27 ML/day and less than 548 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are equal or greater than 548 ML/day,

Note—

548 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than the 99th percentile (which corresponds to 13 ML/day) and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 68 ML/day). In addition, in the Lower Barrington River Management Zone an equivalent percentile flow level may be established if a new gauge is installed in this water source in accordance with clause 17 (2) (c).

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

(j)  for the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, as measured at the Gloucester River at the Gloucester Gauge (208020):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, no Very Low Flow Class is established by this Plan, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than the 97th percentile or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, on a rising river, or equal to or less than the 98th percentile on a falling river,

Note—

The estimated 98th percentile (which is currently estimated to correspond to 1 ML/day) will be referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and the estimated 97th percentile will be referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river. Further gauging is required to establish the percentile flow values more accurately.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, no A Class is established by this Plan, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than the 97th percentile or 2 ML greater than the 98th percentile, whichever is the greater, and less than 73 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than the 98th percentile and less than 73 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are equal or greater than 73 ML/day,

Note—

73 ML/day corresponds to the current estimated 50th percentile of all days of flow.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended through studies as specified in clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than visible flow and no more than the 95th percentile (which is currently estimated to correspond to 6.0 ML/day). A review of the 50th percentile at year five of this Plan may provide a revised B Class flow as specified in clause 17 (2) (b).

(k)  for the Lower Barnard River Management Zone of the Lower Barnard River Water Source, as measured at the Barnard River at Mackay Gauge (208011):

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 34 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 32 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

32 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 34 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 34 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 32 ML/day on a falling river,

(l)  for the Myall Creek Water Source, as measured at the Barnard River at Mackay Gauge (208011):

Note—

The Mackay Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Lower Barnard River Water Source.

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 34 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 32 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

32 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 34 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 34 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 32 ML/day on a falling river,

(m)  for the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan,

Note—

Flow classes may be determined based on the outcome of studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (a) of this Plan.

(n)  for the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan,

Note—

Flow classes may be established based on the outcome of studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (e) of this Plan. Separate management zones may also be created within the water source allowing for differing access rules for users above and below Abbotts Falls, which has traditionally been viewed as the tidal limit.

(o)  for the Lower Manning River Water Source, as measured at the Manning River at Killawara Gauge (208004):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 137 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 98 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

98 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 98th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 137 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 97th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, A Class is when there is a visible flow and less than 1,566 ML/day, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 137 ML/day and less than 1,566 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 98 ML/day and less than 1,566 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are equal or greater than 1,566 ML/day,

Note—

1,566 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended based on the outcome of studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than the 99th percentile (which corresponds to 54 ML/day) and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 225 ML/day).

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

Note—

Flow classes may be amended under clause 17 (2) (g) of this Plan, following the installation of infrastructure at a point further downstream than existing infrastructure within the water source.

(p)  for the Mid Manning River Water Source, as measured at the Manning River at Killawara Gauge (208004):

Note—

The Killawarra Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Lower Manning River Water Source.

(i)  until 1 August 2016, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 137 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 98 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

98 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 98th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 137 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 97th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, A Class is when there is a visible flow and less than 1,566 ML/day, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 137 ML/day and less than 1,566 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 98 ML/day and less than 1,566 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are equal or greater than 1,566 ML/day,

Note—

1,566 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 50th percentile.

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended based on the outcome of studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than the 99th percentile (which corresponds to 54 ML/day) and no more than the 95th percentile (which corresponds to 225 ML/day).

(q)  for the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barnard River Water Source, as measured at the Barnard River at the Measuring Weir Gauge (208027):

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 13 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 11 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

11 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 13 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow and less than or equal to the 80th percentile flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 13 ML/day and less than or equal to the 80th percentile flow on a rising river, or greater than 11 ML/day and less than or equal to the 80th percentile flow on a falling river, and

(iii)  B Class is when flows are greater than the 80th percentile flow,

Note—

Major utility access licences extracting water in this water source may only extract from B class flows as required by the rule in clause 19 (3) (e) which reflects current licensed operating procedures.

(r)  for the Upper Barnard River Water Source, as measured at the Barnard River at the Measuring Weir Gauge (208027):

Note—

The Measuring Weir Gauging Station is located outside of the water source, within the Lower Barnard River Water Source.

(i)  for the first five years of this Plan, the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than 13 ML/day on a rising river, or equal to or less than 11 ML/day on a falling river, and

Note—

11 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and 13 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 94.5th percentile, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  for the first five years of this Plan, A Class is when there is a visible flow, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than 13 ML/day on a rising river, or greater than 11 ML/day on a falling river,

(s)  for the Upper Manning River Water Source, as measured at the Manning River at Leslies Bridge Gauge (208029):

(i)  until 1 August 2016, no Very Low Flow Class is established by this Plan, thereafter the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are equal to or less than the 97th percentile on a rising river, or equal to or less than the 98th percentile on a falling river, and

Note—

The estimated 98th percentile (which is currently estimated to corresponds to 14 ML/day) will be referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river, and the estimated 97th percentile (which is currently estimated to correspond to 17 ML/day) will be referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river. Further gauging is required to establish the percentile flow values more accurately.

(ii)  until 1 August 2016, no A Class is established by this Plan, thereafter A Class is when flows are greater than the 97th percentile on a rising river, or greater than the 98th percentile on a falling river,

Note—

The specified cease and commence to pump levels may be amended based on the outcome of studies carried out under clause 17 (2) (a). The cease to pump may be amended to a level no less than visible flow and no more than the 95th percentile (which is currently estimated to correspond to 22 ML/day).

(t)  for the Myall Lakes Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan,

(u)  for the Upper Myall River Management Zone of the Myall River Water Source, as measured at the Markwell River Bridge on Markwell Road, 2.5km north of Bulahdelah:

(i)  the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, and

(ii)  A Class is when there is a visible flow,

Note—

The Myall River Water Source also has an access rule which only permits extraction from the river where the flow occurring for the first 24 hours after flows have exceeded the Very Low Flow Class has passed.

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference points for the Myall River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

(v)  for the Crawford River Management Zone of the Myall River Water Source, as measured immediately upstream of the Crawford River weir pool:

(i)  the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, and

(ii)  A Class is when there is a visible flow,

Note—

The Myall River Water Source also has an access rule which only permits extraction from the river where the flow occurring for the first 24 hours after flows have exceeded the Very Low Flow Class has passed.

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference points for the Myall River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

(w)  for the Tidal Myall River Management Zone of the Myall River Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan,

Note—

The augmentation of the local water utility in this water source may trigger review of the flow access rules specified within this Plan in accordance with clause 17 (2) (d).

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference points for the Myall River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

(x)  for the Upper Coolongolook River Management Zone of the Coolongolook River Water Source, as measured at the Coolongolook Rivers Locketts Crossing on the Locketts Crossing Road, 1.5km south of Coolongolook:

(i)  the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, and

(ii)  A Class is when there is a visible flow,

Note—

The Coolongolook River Water Source also has a mandatory condition which only permits extraction from the river where the flow occurring for the first 24 hours after flows have exceeded the Very Low Flow Class has passed.

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference points for management zones in the Coolongolook River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

(y)  for the Wang Wauk River Management Zone and the Tidal Coolongolook River Management Zone of the Coolongolook River Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan,

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference points for management zones in the Coolongolook River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

(z)  for the Upper Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source, as measured at the Dargavilles Crossing on the Dargavilles Road, 2km west of Nabiac:

(i)  the Very Low Flow Class is when there is no visible flow, and

(ii)  A Class is when there is a visible flow,

Note—

The Wallamba River Water Source also has an access rule which only permits extraction from the river where the flow occurring for the first 24 hours after flows have exceeded the Very Low Flow Class has passed.

Note—

The flow classes and flow reference point for the Wallamba River Water Source may be amended during the term of this Plan in line with clause 17 (2) (h).

Note—

The Upper Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source may have its flow classes amended, as set out under clause 17 (2) (f) of this Plan.

(aa)  for the Khappinghat Creek Management Zone and the Tidal Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water source, no flow classes are established by this Plan, and

(ab)  for the Karuah Upriver Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source, as measured at Karuah River at Booral gauge (209003):

(i)  the very low flow class is when flows are less than 5 ML/day on a rising river or less than or equal to 3.5 ML/day on a falling river,

Note—

3.5 ML/day corresponds approximately to the estimated 90th percentile for all days of record in November, the critical month, and is referred to as the cease to pump on a falling river. 5 ML/day corresponds approximately to the estimated 89th percentile for all days of record in November, the critical month, and is referred to as the commence to pump on a rising river.

(ii)  A class is when flows are more than 5 ML/day and less than or equal to 18 ML/day on a rising river, and more than 3.5 ML/day and less than or equal to 18 ML/day on a falling river, and

(iii)  B class is when flows are more than 18 ML/day, and

Note—

The flow classes have been determined based on flow information that inherently includes seasonal effects as well as evaporation and seepage losses.

(ac)  for the Karuah Estuarine Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source, no flow classes are established by this Plan.

(2)  The Minister may amend subclause (1) to establish a new or additional flow class or flow classes in:

(a)  the Upper Barrington River, the Upper Gloucester River, the Bowman River, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Dingo Creek, the Lower Manning River, the Mid Manning River, the Upper Manning River, the Avon River and Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Sources, after year five of this Plan and before the completion of the term of this Plan, based on the outcome of field verification and the review of relevant studies carried out under clauses 86 (1) and 86 (2) of this Plan,

(b)  the Dingo Creek, the Upper Gloucester River, and the Upper Manning Water Sources, after year five of this Plan, based on sufficient data collection to enable determination of cease to pump and commence to pump levels, and review of B Class flows at the 50th percentile,

(c)  the Lower Barrington River Management Zone of the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, after year five of this Plan, based on installation of an appropriate gauging station and sufficient data collection to enable determination of cease to pump and commence to pump levels,

(d)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Lower Manning River or the Myall River Water Sources during the term of this Plan, after augmentation of the local water utility,

(e)  the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source, during the term of this Plan, following the outcome of a study carried out under clause 87 of this Plan to determine the appropriate location for the installation of a salinity probe, or other relevant infrastructure, and assessment of the users and extraction within the water source,

Note—

It is recognised that tidal pool water sources are different systems from those upstream. Tidal influences and salinity may impact on the ability of users to extract water generally more than instantaneous flow levels. Flow levels are used to manage upstream water sources, however, in tidal pool water sources different management options such as salinity levels may also be considered.

(f)  the Upper Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source, after year five of this Plan, such that the top of the Very Low Flow Class is at or below the 95th percentile flow following the installation of appropriate flow measuring infrastructure within the water source,

(g)  the Lower Manning River Water Source and/or the Dingo Creek Water Source, during the term of this Plan, following the installation of flow measuring infrastructure at a point further downstream than existing flow measuring infrastructure within the water source,

Note—

The location of flow reference points can have a significant effect on the resulting water access and the resultant streamflow protection. The existing gauges within these water sources are located upstream of the end of the water source resulting in a number of access licences taking water from the river/creek below the gauge. These extractions are not factored into the triggering of flow classes, and may take water from the flows reserved for environmental or basic landholder right extraction. Options to address this may include the movement of existing gauges to a point further downstream in the water source, or to introduce rationing provisions for those users downstream of the existing gauge linked to gauge trigger levels to ensure sharing of water downstream.

(h)  the Wallamba River Water Source, the Coolongolook River Water Source and the Myall River Water Source, during the term of this Plan, based on the outcome of further field verification or studies of the flow reference point within these water sources, and

(i)  any water source where management zones are added or amended during the term of this Plan as per clause 6 of this Plan.

(3)  The Minister may amend this Plan to amend the existing flow classes or establish new or additional flow classes based on the introduction of a Flow Accreditation Scheme to a water source.

Note—

It is recognised that management of extractions is only one component of river management and many landholders are carrying out on-farm activities to achieve environmental outcomes.

cl 17: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [5]–[16]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [13]–[37].

Part 4 Planned environmental water provisions

pt 4, hdg: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [38].

Note—

This Part is made in accordance with sections 8, 8A and 20 of the Act.

pt 4, note: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [39].

18 General

This Part contains environmental water rules for the commitment, identification, establishment and maintenance of planned environmental water in these water sources.

Note—

In accordance with the Act, planned environmental water is water that is committed by management plans for fundamental ecosystem health or other specified environmental purposes, either generally or at specified times or in specified circumstances and that cannot to the extent committed be taken or used for any other purpose.

cl 18: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [40].

19 Planned environmental water

(1)  Planned environmental water is identified and established in these water sources as follows:

(a)  water volume in excess of the respective long-term average annual extraction limit established in clause 44 of this Plan may not be taken and used for any purpose in these water sources, thereby protecting a proportion of river flows for fundamental ecosystem needs from increases in long-term water extraction,

(b)  for all water sources, excluding the Myall Lakes Water Source, the water remaining in the water source after taking water to meet basic landholder rights and for access licences in accordance with the rules identified in subclause (3), and

(c)  for the Myall Lakes Water Source, the water remaining in the water source after taking water to meet basic landholder rights.

(2)  The planned environmental water established in subclause (1) (a) for these water sources is maintained by the rules in clause 47 that limit the availability of water for extraction under access licences, thereby protecting a proportion of natural river flows for fundamental ecological needs from increases in long-term water extraction.

(3)  Subject to subclause (8), the planned environmental water established in subclauses (1) (b) and (c) is maintained as follows:

(a)  subject to paragraph (f), water must not be taken under an access licence with a share component that specifies a water source or an extraction component that specifies a management zone with a Very Low Flow Class that has commenced, when flows in that water source or management zone are in the Very Low Flow Class,

(b)  subject to paragraph (f), water must not be taken under an access licence where a cease to take condition that was specified on the Water Act 1912 entitlement that the access licence replaces, is in the Minister’s opinion, higher than:

(i)  the upper limit of the relevant Very Low Flow Class (as specified in clause 17 (1)), or

(ii)  the access rules specified in paragraph (c),

when flows are at or less than the cease to take condition that was specified on the replaced Water Act 1912 entitlement. This paragraph does not apply to the taking of water under an access licence with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source,

(c)  subject to paragraph (f), an access licence must not be used to take water:

(i)  if there is no visible flow in the water source at the location at which water is proposed to be taken, or

(ii)  where water is being taken from a pool, if there is no visible inflow and outflow to and from that pool. This subparagraph does not apply to the taking of water under an access licence with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source,

(d)  subject to paragraph (f), water must not be taken under an access licence with a share component or extraction component that specifies one of the following water sources or management zones for a 24 hour period after flows in the water source or management zone have exceeded the top of the Very Low Flow Class at the end of the fresh water tributaries for the respective water source or management zone:

(i)  Myall River Water Source,

(ii)  Coolongolook River Water Source, and

(iii)  Khappinghat Creek Management Zone, Upper Wallamba River Management Zone and the Tidal Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source,

(d1)  subject to paragraph (f), water must not be taken under an access licence with an extraction component that specifies the Karuah Upriver Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source for 24 hours after flows first exceed 5 ML/day following a flow of 2 ML/day at the Karuah River at Booral gauge (209003). This paragraph does not apply to the taking of water from an off-river pool,

(d2)  subject to paragraph (f), water must not be taken under an access licence with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source from an off-river pool when the volume of water in that pool is less than the full capacity of the pool,

Note—

Full capacity is defined in the Dictionary.

(d3)  subject to paragraph (f), in water sources where flow classes have not commenced, water must not be taken under an access licence with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source from an in-river pool when the volume of water in that pool is less than the full capacity of the pool,

(e)  water must not be taken under one of the following access licences when flows are in the Very Low Flow Class or A Class:

(i)  an unregulated river (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence,

(ii)  an unregulated river (high flow) access licence, or

(iii)  a major utility access licence with an extraction component which specifies the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(f)  paragraphs (a)–(d3) do not apply to the following:

(i)  the taking of water under an access licence to which clause 1 of Schedule 2 applies, for any of the purposes listed below, provided that water taken does not exceed 20 kilolitres per day per access licence, or such lower amount specified on the access licence in accordance with paragraph (g):

(A)  fruit washing,

(B)  cleaning of dairy plant and equipment for the purpose of hygiene,

(C)  poultry watering and misting, or

(D)  cleaning of enclosures used for intensive animal production for the purposes of hygiene,

(ii)  the taking of water for domestic consumption under a domestic and stock access licence or a domestic and stock (subcategory “domestic”) access licence that existed at the commencement of this Plan, provided that the volume of water taken does not exceed 1 kilolitre per house supplied by the access licence per day,

Note—

Domestic consumption is defined in section 52 of the Act.

(iii)  the taking of water using a runoff harvesting dam or from an in-river dam pool,

(iv)  the taking of water under an access licence that nominates a water supply work that may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources to which the access rules for unregulated river access licences do not apply as specified in clause 67,

(v)  the taking of water for the purposes of town water supply only under a local water utility access licence to which Schedule 2 applies, excluding local water utility access licences held by the local water utility for Bottawa Dam that have arisen from the Water Act 1912 entitlement 20SL022548, until such time as the Minister is satisfied that major augmentation of the access licence holder’s water supply system has occurred,

(vi)  the taking of water under a local water utility access licence to which Schedule 2 applies held by the local water utility for Bottawa Dam that have arisen from the Water Act 1912 entitlement 20SL022548,

(vii)  the taking of water under a local water utility access licence or an access licence of the subcategory “Town water supply” to which clause 2 of Schedule 2 applies,

(g)  the Minister may, in relation to an access licence to which paragraph (f) (i) applies, amend the licence to reduce the maximum daily volume limit, if the Minister is satisfied that the reduced volume is satisfactory to meet the purpose for the licence as referred to in paragraph (i),

(h)  the access rules specified in clauses 41B and 67 which apply to access licences that nominate a water supply work that may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources as specified in those clauses,

(i)  in all flows in the Myall Lakes Water Source, the application of Part 8 and clause 35 (2) prohibits the extraction of water in this water source under a water access licence,

(j)  water must not be taken from an in-river dam pool unless the in-river dam is passing such flows in such circumstances as specified on the water supply work approval for the in-river dam,

(k)  the flows and circumstances to be specified on the water supply work approval for the in-river dam referred to in paragraph (j) are:

(i)  the flows and circumstances that were specified in conditions on the Water Act 1912 entitlement that the approval replaces, or

(ii)  where no flows and circumstances were specified on the Water Act 1912 entitlement, the flows and circumstances determined by the Minister,

(l)  water must not be taken under one of the following access licences with a share component that specifies a water source where a B Class has not been established under clause 17 of this Plan, unless flows exceed a flow class or level determined by the Minister:

(i)  a new local water utility access licence granted after the commencement of this Plan pursuant to section 66 (3) or (4) of the Act,

(ii)  a new major utility (subcategory “Urban water”) access licence granted after the commencement of this Plan that has not replaced a local water utility access licence, or

(iii)  a new unregulated river (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence granted after the commencement of this Plan, and

(m)  water must not be taken under one of the following access licences with a share component that specifies a water source where a B Class has been established under clause 17, when flows are in the Very Low Flow Class or A Class:

(i)  a new local water utility access licence granted after the commencement of this Plan pursuant to section 66 (3) or (4) of the Act,

(ii)  a new major utility (subcategory “Urban water”) access licence granted after the commencement of this Plan that has not replaced a local water utility access licence, or

(iii)  a new access licence with a zero share component granted after the commencement of this Plan.

Note—

These rules protect the water for the environment by limiting both water extracted over the long-term and the taking of water in accordance with the objectives of this Plan.

Note—

This Plan recognises that the environmental water provisions provide non-extractive benefits, including traditional Aboriginal spiritual, social, customary, economic, cultural and recreational benefits, and contributes to improved water quality.

(4)  Following the establishment of a flow class or flow classes within any water source under clauses 17 (2) and 17 (3) of this Plan, the Minister may amend subclauses (1), (2) and (3) to identify, establish and maintain planned environmental water in the relevant water source.

(5)  The Minister may amend subclause (3), to identify pools in the rivers in these water sources, that require special protection and establish access rules such that extraction of water is not permitted from pools when water levels fall below a control level at a site established in accordance with clause 88.

(6)  Before undertaking amendment pursuant to subclause (5) the Minister should consult with relevant Government agencies and the water users in the water source, for the purpose of establishing the pool control levels referred to in subclause (5) in accordance with clause 88 (4) of this Plan.

(7)  Following an amendment under subclause (5), the Minister may amend subclause (3) such that access licences on pools subject to a pool control level rule are not subject to an access rule that requires a visible inflow and outflow to and from that pool.

(8)  Subclause (3) does not apply to the taking of water under an access licence that is used:

(a)  in association with an aquifer interference activity that is an approved EP&A Act development when:

(i)  in the Minister’s opinion, there are no reasonably practicable measures the access licence holder can take to comply with the access rules under subclause (3), and

(ii)  the access licence holder has a water management plan for the aquifer interference activity that has been approved in accordance with the development consent for the activity under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and

(iii)  the water management plan includes conditions that require the return of water to the water source to mitigate the taking of water during times when the access rules apply under this clause, or

(b)  in association with an aquifer interference activity when:

(i)  in the Minister’s opinion, there are no reasonably practicable measures the access licence holder can take to comply with the access rules under subclause (3), and

(ii)  the access licence holder has a water management plan for the aquifer interference activity that has been approved by the Minister, and

(iii)  the water management plan includes conditions that require the return of water to the water source to mitigate the taking of water during times when the access rules apply under this clause.

Note—

Approved EP&A Act development is defined in the Dictionary.

cl 19: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [3]; 2013 (88), Sch 1 [17]–[20]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [41]–[51].

20 (Repealed)

cl 20: Rep 2013 (88), Sch 1 [21].

Part 5 Basic landholder rights

21 Basic landholder rights

This Part is made in accordance with section 20 (1) (b) of the Act.

22 Domestic and stock rights

(1)  The water requirements of persons entitled to domestic and stock rights in these water sources are estimated to total 12.67 ML/day, distributed as follows:

(a)  0.67 ML/day in the Avon River Water Source,

Note—

This estimate includes domestic and stock rights for both aquifer and unregulated users.

(b)  0.86 ML/day in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

Note—

This estimate includes domestic and stock rights for both aquifer and unregulated users.

(c)  0.3 ML/day in the Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(d)  0.24 ML/day in the Bowman River Water Source,

(e)  0.42 ML/day in the Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(f)  0.66 ML/day in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(g)  0.39 ML/day in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

Note—

This estimate includes domestic and stock rights for both aquifer and unregulated users.

(h)  0.53 ML/day in the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(i)  2.95 ML/day in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

Note—

This estimate includes domestic and stock rights for both aquifer and unregulated users.

(j)  0.19 ML/day in the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(k)  0.6 ML/day in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(l)  0.26 ML/day in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(m)  0.21 ML/day in the Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  0.71 ML/day in the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(o)  0.33 ML/day in the Rowleys River Water Source,

(p)  0.38 ML/day in the Upper Barnard River Water Source,

(q)  0.35 ML/day in the Upper Manning River Water Source,

(r)  0.11 ML/day in the Myall Lakes Water Source,

(s)  0.39 ML/day in the Myall River Water Source,

(t)  1.11 ML/day in the Coolongolook River Water Source,

(u)  0.3 ML/day in the Wallamba River Water Source,

(v)  1.86 ML/day in the Karuah River Water Source.

(2)  This Plan recognises that the exercise of domestic and stock rights may increase during the term of this Plan.

Notes—

1 Domestic and stock rights must be exercised in accordance with any mandatory guidelines established under section 336B of the Act with respect to the taking and use of water for domestic consumption or stock watering.

2 An increase in use of domestic and stock rights may occur as a result of an increase in the number of landholdings fronting rivers and lakes or overlying alluvial groundwater in these water sources and/or as a result of the increase in the exercise of basic landholder rights by existing landholders.

3 Inherent water quality and land use activities may make the water in some areas unsuitable for human consumption. Water from these groundwater sources should not be consumed without it first being tested and appropriately treated.

cl 22: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [52]–[56].

23 Native title rights

(1)  There are no native title rights in these water sources and therefore the water requirements for native title rights total 0 ML/year.

(2)  This Plan recognises that the exercise of native title rights may increase during the term of this Plan.

Note—

A change in native title rights may occur pursuant to the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

cl 23: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [57].

24 Harvestable rights

The requirement for water under harvestable rights is the amount of water owners of land are entitled to capture pursuant to a harvestable rights order made under section 54 of the Act and published from time to time in the NSW Government Gazette.

Part 6 Bulk access regime

25 Bulk access regime

(1)  This Part is made in accordance with section 20 (1) (e) of the Act.

(2)  This Plan establishes a bulk access regime for the extraction of water under access licences in these water sources having regard to:

(a)  the environmental water provisions established under Part 4 of this Plan,

(b)  the requirements for basic landholder rights identified under Part 5 of this Plan,

(c)  the requirements for water for extraction under access licences identified under Part 7 of this Plan, and

(d)  the access licence dealing rules established under Part 11 of this Plan.

(3)  The bulk access regime established in subclause (2):

(a)  recognises the effect of climate variability on the availability of water as provided for under Part 3 of this Plan,

(b)  establishes rules according to which access licences are granted as provided for in Part 8 of this Plan,

(c)  recognises and is consistent with limits to the availability of water as provided for in Part 10, Division 1 of this Plan,

(d)  establishes rules according to which available water determinations are to be made as provided for in Part 10, Division 1 of this Plan,

(e)  establishes rules according to which access licences are managed as provided for in Parts 10 and 11 of this Plan, and

(f)  establishes rules with respect to the priorities according to which access licences are to be adjusted as a consequence of any reduction in the availability of water as provided for in Part 10 of this Plan.

cl 25: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [58] [59] [61].

Part 7 Requirements for water under access licences

26 Requirements for water under access licences

This Part is made in accordance with section 20 (1) (c) of the Act.

Note—

The amount of water specified in this Part represents the total volumes or unit shares specified in the share components on access licences in these water sources. The actual volumes of water available at any time will depend on climate, access licence priority and the rules in this Plan.

27 Share components of domestic and stock access licences

It is estimated that the share components of domestic and stock access licences authorised to take water from these water sources will total 125 megalitres per year (hereafter ML/year), distributed as follows:

(a)  12 ML/year in the Avon River Water Source,

(b)  39.5 ML/year in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  0 ML/year in the Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(d)  8 ML/year in the Bowman River Water Source,

(e)  0 ML/year in the Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(f)  10 ML/year in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(g)  3 ML/year in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(h)  0 ML/year in the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(i)  5 ML/year in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

(j)  0 ML/year in the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(k)  6 ML/year in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(l)  0 ML/year in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(m)  0 ML/year in the Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  5 ML/year in the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(o)  0 ML/year in the Rowleys River Water Source,

(p)  0 ML/year in the Upper Barnard River Water Source,

(q)  0 ML/year in the Upper Manning River Water Source,

(r)  0 ML/year in the Myall Lakes Water Source,

(s)  4.5 ML/year in the Myall River Water Source,

(t)  0 ML/year in the Coolongolook River Water Source,

(u)  5 ML/year in the Wallamba River Water Source, and

(v)  27 ML/year in the Karuah River Water Source.

cl 27: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [62].

28 Share components of local water utility access licences

It is estimated that the share components of local water utility access licences authorised to extract water from these water sources will total 16,986 ML/year, distributed as follows:

(a)  570 ML/year in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(b)  12,500 ML/year in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(c)  221 ML/year in the Myall River Water Source,

(d)  3000 ML/year in the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(e)  375 ML/year in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

(f)  320 ML/year in the Karuah River Water Source, and

(g)  0 ML/year in all other water sources.

cl 28: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [4]. Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [63].

29 Share components of major utility access licences

It is estimated that the share components of major utility access licences authorised to extract water from the Lower Barnard River Water Source will total 30,000 ML/year.

Note—

Macquarie Generation holds this entitlement to water which is pumped by the Barnard Scheme into the Hunter River system to Jerrys Plains where Macquarie Generation’s power stations are located. Accounting provisions as specified at clause 56 of this Plan ensure an average annual diversion of no more than 20,000 ML/year.

cl 29: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [22] [23]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [64].

30 Share components of unregulated river access licences

It is estimated that the share components of unregulated river access licences authorised to extract water from these water sources will total 49,853 unit shares, distributed as follows:

(a)  1,985 unit shares in the Avon River Water Source,

(b)  10,301.5 unit shares in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  944 unit shares in the Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(d)  2,249 unit shares in the Bowman River Water Source,

(e)  811 unit shares in the Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(f)  5,143 unit shares in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(g)  6,569 unit shares in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(h)  1,369 unit shares in the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(i)  1,968.5 unit shares in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

(j)  1,176 unit shares in the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

Note—

Prior to the commencement of this Plan licencing of the taking of water within the tidal pool area was not required. While there are some water users in this area that are already licenced there are likely to be a number of water users who will be identified through a licencing process targeting tidal pool areas to be undertaken by the Department. Entitlement issued to those unlicensed users who have historically not been required to be licenced is likely to be based on a history of extraction. No entitlement will be issued for any new extractions in this area outside of those specified in Part 8 of this Plan.

(k)  7,339 unit shares in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(l)  632 unit shares in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(m)  57 unit shares in the Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  1,153 unit shares in the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(o)  257 unit shares in the Rowleys River Water Source,

(p)  274 unit shares in the Upper Barnard River Water Source,

(q)  2,219 unit shares in the Upper Manning River Water Source,

(r)  0 unit shares in the Myall Lakes Water Source,

(s)  225 unit shares in the Myall River Water Source,

(t)  374 unit shares in the Coolongolook River Water Source,

(u)  1,454 unit shares in the Wallamba River Water Source, and

(v)  3,353 unit shares in the Karuah River Water Source.

cl 30: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [65].

31 Share components of unregulated river (high flow) access licences

It is estimated that the share components of unregulated river (high flow) access licences authorised to extract water from the following water sources will total 0 unit shares, distributed as follows:

(a)  0 unit shares in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(b)  0 unit shares in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  0 unit shares in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(d)  0 unit shares in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(e)  0 unit shares in the Mid Manning River Water Source, and

(f)  0 unit shares in the Avon River Water Source.

Note—

The Dingo Creek Water Source, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, the Lower Manning River Water Source, the Mid Manning River Water Source and the Avon River Water Sources are the only water sources within this Plan area which have been identified as suitable for unregulated river (high flow) access licences. This Plan allows for a specified amount of unregulated river access licences to be converted to the unregulated river (high flow) access licences. However, at the commencement of this Plan, there are no existing access licences of this category, hence the 0 unit shares indicated.

cl 31: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [66] [67].

32 Share components of aquifer access licences

It is estimated that the share components of aquifer access licences authorised to extract water from these water sources will total 517 unit shares, distributed as follows:

(a)  20 unit shares in the Avon River Water Source,

(b)  5 unit shares in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  187 unit shares in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source,

(d)  305 unit shares in the Karuah River Water Source,

(e)  0 unit share in all other water sources.

cl 32: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [68].

33 Changes to total share components

This Plan recognises that the total requirements for water for extraction within these water sources may change during the term of this Plan as a result of:

(a)  the granting, surrender or cancellation of access licences,

(b)  the granting, surrender or cancellation of access licences through a dealing under Part 12 of this Plan,

(c)  the variation of local water utility licences under section 66 of the Act, and

(d)  any changes due to the volumetric conversion of Water Act 1912 entitlements that are currently non-volumetric.

cl 33: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [69].

Part 8 Rules for granting access licences

34 Rules for granting access licences

(1)  This Part is made in accordance with sections 20 (2) (b), 61 and 63 of the Act, having regard to the limits to water availability in these water sources and the need to protect dependent ecosystems.

(2)  In addition to those applications for specific purpose access licences permitted under clause 10 of the Water Management (General) Regulation 2011, applications may also be made in these water sources, excluding Myall Lakes Water Source, for access licences, as follows:

(a)  an access licence that may be granted in accordance with a dealing,

Note—

Dealings include the conversion of unregulated river access licences to unregulated river (high flow) access licences as specified in clause 71 of this Plan.

(b)  an unregulated river (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence, to take water from B Class flows only, provided that the grant of any such access licence will cause no more than minimal harm to the water source at the water source level impact assessment and provided that the total share component of all unregulated river (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence in the water sources listed below do not exceed:

(i)  500 ML/year in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(ii)  500 ML/year in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(iii)  500 ML/year in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(iv)  500 ML/year in the Upper Gloucester Water Sources,

(v)  300 ML/year in the Mid Manning River Water Source, and

(vi)  500 ML/year in the Karuah River Water Source,

Note—

An unregulated river (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence is a specific purpose access licence and as such can only be the subject of limited trade that is consistent with the purpose for which the licence was granted. Aboriginal communities, enterprises and individuals are encouraged to seek financial assistance from funding bodies to purchase other categories of access licence if they require fully tradeable licences.

(c)  an aquifer (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licence, provided that the grant of any such access licence will cause no more than minimal harm to the water source at the water source level impact assessment and provided that the total share component of all aquifer (subcategory “Aboriginal community development”) access licences in the Karuah River Water Source do not exceed 500 ML/year, and

(d)  a local water utility access licence in the Karuah River Water Source.

Notes—

1 Section 61 (1) (b) of the Act also allows for a person to apply for an access licence with a zero share component and section 61 (1) (c) of the Act allows for a person to apply for an access licence where the right to apply that access licence has been acquired under section 65 of the Act.

2 Pursuant to sections 66 (3) and 66 (4) of the Act, the Minister may also vary a local water utility’s share component at 5 year intervals, or on application of the local water utility where there is rapid growth in population.

3 The licences that may be applied for under subclause (2) are in addition to applications for the categories and subcategories of specific purpose access licences that may be made in accordance with clause 10 of the Water Management (General) Regulation 2011 , subject to the restrictions in subclauses (2) and (3).

(3)  An access licence of the subcategory “Aboriginal cultural” shall only be granted if the application does not exceed 10 ML/year.

(3A)  An access licence of the subcategory “Aboriginal cultural” may only be granted for the taking of water by an Aboriginal person or Aboriginal community for any personal, domestic or communal purpose, including drinking, food preparation, washing, manufacturing traditional artefacts, watering domestic gardens, cultural teaching, hunting, fishing, gathering and for recreational, cultural and ceremonial purposes.

Note—

Aboriginal person is defined in the Dictionary.

(4)  A specific purpose access licence shall only be granted if the share or extraction component of the access licence is the minimum required to meet the circumstances in which the access licence is proposed to be used.

(5)  An application may not be made for an access licence with a share component that specifies the Myall Lakes Water Source.

Note—

Any new access licence granted in these water sources may be subject to an access rule as specified in clause 19 (3).

cl 34: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [5]; 2013 (88), Sch 1 [24]–[26]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [70] [71].

34A Granting of access licences as a result of controlled allocation

The Minister may grant an access licence where the right to apply for the licence has been acquired in a manner prescribed by an order made under section 65 of the Act.

cl 34A: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [72].

Part 9 Rules for granting or amending water supply works approvals

Division 1 General

35 Granting or amending water supply works approvals

(1)  This Part is made in accordance with sections 21 (b) and 21 (e) of the Act.

(2)  A water supply work approval shall not be granted under section 95 of the Act or amend under section 107 of the Act, where the water supply work to be completed or used is located within the Myall Lakes Water Source, or upstream of the high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem identified in Schedule 4 of this Plan in the Lower Manning River Water Source.

36 Runoff harvesting dams

If the sum of the share components of access licences nominating a water supply work that is a runoff harvesting dam or an in-river dam is reduced via:

(a)  a dealing,

(b)  the surrender under section 77 (4) of the Act of an access licence and then the subsequent cancellation of an access licence under 77A (6) of the Act,

(c)  the amendment of the share component of the access licence by the Minister under section 68A of the Act, or

(d)  the cancellation of an access licence under section 78 of the Act or via the compulsory acquisition of an access licence under section 79 of the Act,

the Minister may require the modification of the dam to ensure that the capability of the dam to capture water is reduced to reflect the reduction in share component.

Note—

The Minister can require the modification of the dam by amending the mandatory conditions of the relevant water supply work approval. Under section 102 (3) of the Act, the mandatory conditions of an approval may be imposed, amended, revoked or suspended by the Minister whenever it is necessary to do so in order to enable compliance with or to give effect to a relevant management plan.

Note—

The taking of water from a runoff harvesting dam requires an access licence and a water supply works approval, except to the extent that the runoff harvesting dam is an owner or an occupier’s harvestable right entitlement under section 53 of the Act, in which case it will not require an access licence or water supply work.

Note—

Following the assignment of water allocations from a water allocation account of an access that nominates an approval for a runoff harvesting

cl 36: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [27]. Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [73].

37 In-river dams

A water supply work must not be granted or amended to authorise an in-river dam on a third order or higher stream within the following water sources:

(a)  Lower Manning River Water Source,

(b)  Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(c)  Bowman River Water Source,

(d)  Upper Barrington River Water Source,

(e)  Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

(f)  Myall River Water Source,

(g)  Myall Lakes Water Source,

(h)  Coolongolook River Water Source,

(i)  Wallamba River Water Source,

(j)  Rowleys River Water Source,

(k)  Cooplacurripa River Water Source,

(l)  Nowendoc River Water Source,

(m)  Myall Creek Water Source,

(n)  Upper Barnard River Water Source,

(o)  Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(p)  Upper Manning River Water Source,

(q)  Mid Manning River Water Source, and

(r)  Karuah River Water Source.

Note—

Water supply work approvals may be granted or amended for in-river dams on third order or higher streams within all water sources and management zones to which this Plan applies, other than those specified in this clause, consistent with the NSW Weirs Policy, the principles of the Act, the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and any other relevant legislation.

cl 37: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [74].

Division 2 Water supply works used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources

38 General

(1)  This division is made in accordance with section 21 (c) and (e) of the Act.

(2)  The rules in this Division apply to water supply work approvals for water supply works that may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

(3)  In this Division, a reference to a water supply work is limited to a water supply work that may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

cl 38: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [75].

39 Rules for granting or amending water supply works approvals

(1)  A water supply work approval must not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located within:

(a)  400 metres of a water supply work located on another landholding that is authorised to take water from these water sources that is nominated by another access licence, or

(b)  200 metres of a water supply work located on another landholding that is authorised to take water from these water sources pursuant to basic landholder rights only, or

(c)  100 metres from the boundary of the landholding on which the water supply work is located, unless the owner of the landholding adjoining the boundary has provided consent in writing, or

(d)  500 metres of a water supply work that is authorised to take water from these water sources and is nominated by a local water utility access licence or a major utility access licence, unless the local water utility or major utility has provided consent in writing, or

(e)  100 metres of a Department observation or monitoring bore, unless the Minister has provided consent in writing.

Note—

The distance conditions in this clause apply to new or amended approvals. That is, when the applicant wants to construct a new water supply work being used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, and add it to an existing approval. The distance conditions also apply when the licence holder wants to nominate new or different works on the licence.

(2)  The distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) do not apply to the grant or amendment of a water supply work approval if the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)  the water supply work is solely for basic landholder rights, or

(b)  is for a replacement bore, or

Note—

Replacement bore is defined in the Dictionary.

(c)  the water supply work is for the purpose of monitoring, environmental management or remedial works, or

(d)  the location of the water supply work would result in no more than minimal impact on existing extractions within these water sources.

(2A)  For the purposes of subclause (2) (d), the Minister may require the applicant to submit a hydrogeological study to demonstrate to the Minister’s satisfaction that the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance will result in no more than minimal impact on existing extractions within these water sources.

(2B)  The Minister may require the modification of a water supply work authorised under subclause (2) (d) to minimise the impact of the water supply work on existing water levels or extraction if the Minister is satisfied at a later time that the location of the water supply work is causing more than minimal impact on existing water levels or extraction.

(3)  Where the distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) cannot be met, a water supply work approval may be granted provided all potentially affected persons in the near vicinity of the water supply work, holding an access licence or having a right under the Act to take water, have been notified by the applicant.

Note—

These persons may include neighbouring access licence, approval holders or other persons having a right to take water in the near vicinity of the water supply work.

(4)  The Minister may amend this Plan to alter the distance restriction in specified in this clause or add additional restrictions, after year 5 of this Plan or if a temporary water restriction order is made in these water sources under section 324 (2) of the Act.

cl 39: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [28]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [76].

40 Rules for granting or amending water supply works approvals near contamination sources

(1)  A water supply work approval shall not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located:

(a)  within 250 metres of the plume associated with a contamination source listed in Schedule 3, or

(b)  between 250 metres and 500 metres from the plume associated with a contamination source listed in Schedule 3, unless the Minister is satisfied that no drawdown of water will occur within 250 metres of the plume associated with the contamination source.

Note—

Drawdown is defined in the Dictionary.

(2)  In addition to subclause (1), a water supply work approval must not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located at a distance from a plume associated with a contamination source listed in Schedule 3 that is likely to be insufficient to protect the water source or public health and safety.

(3)  The distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) do not apply to the grant or amendment of a water supply work approval if the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)  the proposed distance is adequate to protect the water source, its dependent ecosystems, and public health and safety, or

(b)  the water supply work is for the purpose of monitoring, environmental management or remedial works.

(4)  The Minister may amend this Plan to include or remove a contamination source from Schedule 3, based on the results of a site inspection or any other relevant information provided to the Minister.

(5)  Subclauses (1) and (2) may be applied by the Minister in relation to contamination sources not in Schedule 3, based on the results of a site inspection or other relevant information provided to the Minister.

(6)  For the purpose of subclause (3) (a), the Minister may require the applicant to submit a hydrogeological study to demonstrate to the Minister’s satisfaction that the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance would result in no greater impact on the water source, the environment and public health and safety.

cl 40: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [6]; 2013 (88), Sch 1 [28]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [77] [78].

41 Rules for granting or amending water supply works approvals near sensitive environmental areas

(1)  A water supply work approval shall not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located within:

(a)  100 metres of a high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem listed in Schedule 4—in the case of a water supply work used solely to take water pursuant to basic landholders rights, or

(b)  200 metres of a high priority groundwater dependent ecosystems listed in Schedule 4—in the case of a water supply work not used solely to take water pursuant to basic landholder rights, or

(c)  40 metres of the top of the high bank of a river.

Note—

Subclause (1) will not apply to current authorised extraction from an existing water supply work being used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources at current or equal share component.

(1A)  In addition to subclause (1), a water supply work approval must not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located at a distance from a high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem listed in Schedule 4 if the construction and use of the water supply work at that distance is likely to cause more than minimal drawdown of that high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem. This subclause does not apply to water supply works that will be authorised to take water pursuant to basic landholder rights only.

(1B)  The distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) (a) and (b) do not apply to the grant or amendment of a water supply work approval if the Minister is satisfied no more than minimal drawdown of water will occur at the perimeter of any high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem listed in Schedule 4.

(2)  The distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) do not apply to the grant or amendment of a water supply work approval if the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)  the water supply work is for the purpose of monitoring, environmental management or remedial works, or

(b)  the water supply work replaces an existing water supply work that is part of a bore network for a major utility or a local water utility for the purpose of town water supply, or

(c)  the water supply work is a replacement bore, or

(d)  the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance would result in no greater impact on these water sources and their dependent groundwater ecosystems.

(2A)  The Minister may require the applicant to submit a hydrogeological study to demonstrate to the Minister’s satisfaction that:

(a)  for the purpose of subclause (1B), no more than minimal drawdown of water will occur at the perimeter of any high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem listed in Schedule 4, or

(b)  for the purpose of subclause (2) (d), the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance will result in no greater impact on these water sources and their groundwater dependent ecosystems.

(3), (4)    (Repealed)

(5)  Subclause (1) (c) does not apply to a new water supply work which is constructed or used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources required as part of a dealing involving the conversion of an unregulated river access licence to an aquifer access licence under section 71O of the Act.

(6)  The Minister may amend this Plan to:

(i)  alter the exclusion distances in subclause (1), during the term of this Plan, based on further studies of groundwater ecosystem dependency, or

(ii)  include a new identified high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem in Schedule 4 during the term of this Plan, based on further studies of groundwater ecosystem dependency caused to be undertaken by the Minister,

(iii)  delete a high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem from Schedule 4 identified as not having groundwater dependency, based on further studies of groundwater ecosystem dependency caused to be undertaken by the Minister.

cl 41: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [28] [29]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [79]–[82].

41A Rules for water supply works located near groundwater-dependent culturally significant sites

(1)  A water supply work approval shall not be granted or amended to authorise the construction of a water supply work which, in the Minister’s opinion, is or is proposed to be located within:

(a)  100 metres of a groundwater-dependent culturally significant site in the case of a water supply work that will be authorised to take water pursuant to basic landholder rights only, or

(b)  200 metres of a groundwater-dependent culturally significant site in the case of a water supply work that will be nominated by an access licence.

Note—

Groundwater-dependent culturally significant sites are currently under investigation and may be identified during the term of this Plan. The full list of potential groundwater-dependent culturally significant sites will be identified on the Department-held register and, as a precautionary approach, will be considered by staff in the assessment of any application for a water supply work approval within the area of this Plan.

(2)  The distance restrictions specified in subclause (1) do not apply to the grant or amendment of a water supply work approval if the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)  the water supply work is for the purpose of monitoring, environmental management or remedial works, or

(b)  the water supply work replaces an existing water supply work that is part of a bore network for a major utility or a local water utility for the purpose of town water supply, or

(c)  the water supply work is sealed off to the nearest impervious layer above the slotted intervals of the work with an impermeable seal constructed between the casing and the bore hole as specified by the Minister, or

(d)  the water supply work is a replacement bore, or

(e)  the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance would result in no greater impact on these water sources and their groundwater dependent culturally significant sites.

(3)  For the purpose of subclause (2) (e), the Minister may require the applicant to submit a hydrogeological study to demonstrate to the Minister’s satisfaction that the location of the water supply work at a lesser distance will result in no greater impact on these water sources and their groundwater dependent culturally significant sites.

cl 41A: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [30]. Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [83].

41B Rules for the use of water supply works located within restricted distances

(1)  The rules in this clause apply to water supply work approvals for water supply works that are authorised to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

(2)  Subject to subclauses (3) and (4), a water supply work that is located within a restricted distance specified in clauses 39–41A, must not, in any water year, be used to take more water than the volume of water that is equal to:

(a)  the sum of the share components of the access licences nominating that water supply work at the commencement of this Plan, plus

(b)  the maximum water allocation that can be carried over by access licences nominating that water supply work at the commencement of this Plan in accordance with clause 56 (5).

(3)  Subject to subclause (4), a water supply work that becomes located within a restricted distance specified in clauses 39, 40, 41 (1) (a) and (c) and 41A, as a result of an amendment to this Plan must not, in any water year, be used to take more water than the volume of water that is equal to:

(a)  the sum of share components of access licences nominating that water supply work at the date of the amendment, plus

(b)  the maximum water allocation that can be carried over by access licences nominating that water supply work at the date of the amendment in accordance with clause 56 (5).

(4)  Subclauses (2) and (3) do not apply:

(a)  where a restricted distance does not apply in accordance with clauses 39 (2) (a), (c) and (d) and (3), 40 (3), 41 (1B) and (2) (a), (b) and (d), and 41A (2) (a)–(c) and (e), or

(b)  to the taking of water pursuant to basic landholder rights.

(5)  The Minister may specify a daily rate or annual volumetric limit for water taken by a water supply work that is located within a restricted distance specified in clauses 39–41A pursuant to clauses 39 (2) (d), 40 (3) (a), 41 (1B) or (2) (d), or 41A (2) (e).

(6)  The daily rate or annual volumetric limit specified under subclause (5) will be as determined by the Minister to meet the relevant criteria specified in clauses 39 (2) (d), 40 (3) (a), 41 (1B) or (2) (d) or 41A (2) (e).

Note—

Part 15 allows for amendments to be made to clause 41B.

cl 41B: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [84].

Part 10 Limits to the availability of water

Division 1 Long-term average annual extraction limit

42 General

The availability of water for extraction in these water sources on a long-term basis is to be managed in accordance with this Part.

cl 42: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [85].

43 Extraction management units for these water sources

The availability of water to be taken from these water sources and the management of the long-term average annual extraction of water limit in these water sources will be undertaken in these Units.

cl 43: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [86].

44 Long-term average annual extraction limit

The long-term average annual extraction limit for each of these Units is equal to the total of:

(a)  the share components of all access licences in the Unit, plus

(b)  the annual water requirements pursuant to domestic and stock rights and native title rights.

(c)    (Repealed)

cl 44: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [87].

45 Extraction management units for these water sources

(1)  The long-term average annual extraction limit for one or more of these Units may vary following the granting, cancellation or modification of access licences under the Act or through a dealing under Part 12 of this Plan.

(2)  The long-term average annual extraction limit for an extraction management unit may vary following the purchase and cancellation of an access licence in the extraction management unit.

(3)  The long-term average annual extraction limit for these Units may vary upon the conversion of access licences from unregulated river access licence to an unregulated river (high flow) access licence.

(4)  The variation in subclause (3) will result in the long-term average annual extraction limit being reduced by the amount of the cancelled share component of the unregulated river access licence and increased by the amount of the share component of the granted unregulated river (high flow) access licence.

cl 45: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [88].

46 Assessment of the long-term average annual extraction limit

(1)  This clause applies from the third year of this Plan.

(2)  The total water extracted pursuant to basic landholder rights and access licences in these Units will be assessed each water year to determine if the long-term average annual extraction limit established by clause 44 for each extraction management unit has been exceeded.

(3)  Commencing in the fourth water year in which this Plan has effect, the assessment referred to in subclause (2) must compare the long-term average annual extraction limits established in clause 44 for the respective extraction management unit against the annual extraction averaged over the preceding three water years for that extraction management unit.

cl 46: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [31].

47 Compliance with the long-term average annual extraction limits

(1)  Compliance with the long-term average annual extraction limit established for each extraction management unit is to be managed in accordance with this clause.

(2)  If, in the Minister’s opinion, the assessment under clause 46 demonstrates that the average of the annual extractions in the respective extraction management unit in the preceding three water years has exceeded the long-term average annual extraction limit established under clause 44 for the respective extraction management unit by 5% or more, then available water determinations for unregulated river access licences, unregulated river (high flow) access licences and aquifer access licences in that extraction management unit are to be reduced for the following water year in accordance with subclause (3).

(3)  The reduction under subclause (2) is to be of an amount that is, in the Minister’s opinion, necessary to return the long-term average annual extractions in the respective extraction management units to the long-term average annual extraction limit established under this Part.

cl 47: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [32]. Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [89].

Division 2 Available water determinations

48 Available water determinations

(1)  This Division is made in accordance with section 20 (2) (b) of the Act.

(2)  All available water determinations in these water sources shall be expressed as either:

(a)  a percentage of the share component for all access licences where share components are specified as megalitres per year, or

(b)  megalitres per unit share for all access licences where share components are specified as a number of unit shares.

(3)  An available water determination for each category of access licence in these water sources should be made at the commencement of each water year.

(4)  No available water determination made after the first year of this Plan is to exceed 100% of access licence share component, or 1 megalitre per unit share of access licence share component.

(5)  Subclause (4) does not apply to available water determinations made for aquifer access licences at the commencement of the first water year after the commencement of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016.

Note—

Section 59 (1A) of the Act provides that an available water determination that is made in relation to a particular category of access licence applies to all subcategories of that category, except to the extent to which it otherwise provides.

Where the long-term average annual extraction limit in these water sources has been exceeded, or not reached, by 5% or more, then available water determinations for certain access licences in these water sources will be increased or reduced in accordance with Division 1 of this Part, to allow extraction to return to the long-term average annual extraction limit.

cl 48: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [90].

49 Available water determinations for domestic and stock access licences

(1)  The available water determination made at the commencement of the first water year of this Plan, for domestic and stock access licences in these water sources, should be for 200% of access licence share component.

(2)  The available water determination made at the commencement of each subsequent water year for domestic and stock access licences in these water sources should, where possible, be for 100% of access licence share component.

cl 49: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [91] [92].

50 Available water determinations for local water utility access licences

(1)  The available water determination made at the commencement of the first water year of this Plan, for local water utility access licences in these water sources, should be for 200% of access licence share component.

(2)  The available water determination made at the commencement of each subsequent water year for local water utility access licences in these water sources should, where possible, be for 100% of access licence share component.

cl 50: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [93] [94].

51 Available water determinations for major utility access licences

An available water determination shall be made at the commencement of each water year for major utility access licences in these water sources and should, where possible, be for 100% of access licence share components.

52 Available water determinations for unregulated river access licences

(1)  The available water determination made at the commencement of the first water year of this Plan, for unregulated river access licences in these water sources, should be equal to 2 megalitres per unit share of access licence share component.

(2)  The available water determination made at the commencement of each subsequent water year for unregulated river access licences in these water sources should, where possible, be equal to 1 megalitre per unit share of access licence share component, or such lower amount resulting from clause 47.

cl 52: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [95] [96].

53 Available water determinations for unregulated river (high flow) access licences

(1)  The available water determination made at the commencement of the first year of this Plan, for unregulated river (high flow) access licences in these water sources, should be equal to 2 megalitres per unit of access licence share component.

(2)  The available water determination made at the commencement of each subsequent water year for unregulated river (high flow) access licences in these water sources should, where possible, be equal to 1 megalitre per unit share of access licence share component, or such lower amount resulting from clause 47.

54 Available water determinations for aquifer access licences

(1)  The available water determination made at the commencement of the first water year after the commencement of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016, for aquifer access licences in these water sources, should be equal to 2 megalitres per unit of access licence share component.

(2)  At the commencement of the first water year after the commencement of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 and at the commencement of each water year after the first water year in which the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 has effect, an available water determination of 1 megalitre per unit of share component, or such lower amount that is determined under Division 1 of this Part, should be made for aquifer access licences in these water sources.

cl 54: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [97].

Part 11 Rules for managing access licences

Division 1 General

55 Rules for managing access licences

This Part is made in accordance with sections 20 (2) (b), 21 (a) and 21 (c) of the Act, having regards to:

(a)  environmental water provisions in this Plan,

(b)  requirements for water to satisfy basic landholder rights, and

(c)  requirements for water for extraction under access licences.

Division 2 Water allocation account management

56 Individual access licence account management rules

(1)  Water taken by a nominated water supply work under an access licence will be debited against the water allocation account for the access licence.

Note—

The volume of water extracted by a nominated water supply work is used to account for the extractions against an individual access licence water allocation account.

It is an offence under the Act to take water when there is no, or insufficient water allocations credited to a water allocation account for an access licence.

(2)  Where a water supply work is being used both to take water for basic landholder rights and an access licence(s), the water is to be accounted on the basis that an annual volume equal to the basic landholder right for the water year will be the first volume regarded as being taken and all other water taken in that year will be accounted as extraction pursuant to the respective access licence(s).

(3)  For the period of any three consecutive water years after the first water year in which this Plan has effect, the maximum volume of water that may be taken under a domestic and stock access licence, local water utility access licence, unregulated river access licence, unregulated river (high flow) access licence or an aquifer access licence to which this clause applies must not exceed a volume equal to the lesser of:

(a)  the sum of:

(i)  water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in those three water years,

(ii)  the water allocations carried over from the water year prior to those three water years under subclause (5),

(iii)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those three water years, and

(iv)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those three water years, or

(b)  the sum of:

(i)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the first of those three water years,

(ii)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the second of those three water years,

(iii)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the third of those three water years,

(iv)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those three water years, and

(v)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those three water years.

(4)  For the period of the first three water years in which this Plan has effect, the maximum volume of water that may be taken under a domestic and stock access licence, local water utility access licence, unregulated river access licence, unregulated river (high flow) access licence or an aquifer access licence to which this clause applies must not exceed a volume equal to:

(a)  50% of the water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in the first water year, plus

(b)  the sum of water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in the second and third water years, plus

(c)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those water years, plus

(d)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those water years.

(4A)  For the period of any three consecutive water years after the first water year in which the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 has effect, the maximum volume of water that may be taken under an aquifer access licence must not exceed a volume equal to the lesser of:

(a)  the sum of:

(i)  water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in those three water years,

(ii)  the water allocations carried over from the water year prior to those three water years under subclause (5),

(iii)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those three water years, and

(iv)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those three water years, or

(b)  the sum of:

(i)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the first of those three water years,

(ii)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the second of those three water years,

(iii)  the share component of the access licence at the beginning of the third of those three water years,

(iv)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those three water years, and

(v)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those three water years.

(4B)  For the period of the first three water years in which the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 has effect, the maximum volume of water that may be taken under an aquifer access licence must not exceed a volume equal to:

(a)  50% of the water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in the first water year, plus

(b)  the sum of water allocations accrued to the water allocation account for the access licence from available water determinations in the second and third water years, plus

(c)  the net amount of any water allocations assigned to or from the water allocation account for the access licence under section 71T of the Act in those water years, plus

(d)  any water allocations re-credited to the water allocation account for the access licence in accordance with section 76 of the Act in those water years.

(5)  The maximum water allocation that can be carried over in the water allocation account for a domestic and stock access licence, local water utility access licence, unregulated river access licence, unregulated river (high flow) access licence or an aquifer access licence to which this clause applies, from one water year to the next is equal to:

(a)  100% of the access licence share component for access licences with share components expressed as ML/year, or

(b)  1 ML per unit share of access licence share component for access licences with share components expressed as a number of unit shares.

(6)  If water that, pursuant to an access licence in these water sources is committed as adaptive environmental water to be left in a water source for environmental purposes, then the water allocation taken under that access licence shall be assumed to be 100% of the available water determination made in Division 2 Part 10 of this Plan.

(7)  The maximum volume that may be taken under a major utility access licence in the Lower Barnard River Water Source shall be equal to 100,000 ML over any five consecutive water years.

Note—

The five year rolling average accounting period will commence from 1 July 2009 in line with revised licence conditions. This ensures that the annual average extraction will not exceed 20,000 ML/year. Extractions are limited to a maximum annual diversion of 30,000 ML as specified in clause 29 of this Plan.

Note—

The maximum volume that may be taken under a major utility access licence as specified in subclause (7) may be amended during the term of this Plan as outlined in clause 84.

cl 56: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [33] [34]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [98].

Division 3 Sharing surface water flows on a daily basis

57 Sharing surface water flows on a daily basis

This Division is made in accordance with sections 20 (2) (b) and 21 (a) of the Act.

58 Establishment and assignment of total daily extraction limits

(1)  At the commencement of this Plan, total daily extraction limit (hereafter TDELs) have not been established in the Upper Barrington River, the Bowman River, the Cooplacurripa River, the Lower Barnard River, the Manning Estuary Tributaries, the Myall Creek, the Nowendoc River, the Rowleys River, the Upper Barnard River, the Upper Manning River, the Myall Lakes, the Myall River, the Coolongolook River or the Wallamba River Water Sources.

(2)  This Plan establishes and assigns TDELs for unregulated river (high flow) access licences in B Class flows in the following water sources:

(a)  19.6 ML/day for B Class flows in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(b)  3.3 ML/day for B Class flows in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(c)  37.7 ML/day for B Class flows in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(d)  51.6 ML/day for B Class flows in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(e)  14.2 ML/day for B Class flows in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, and,

(f)  2.3 ML/day for B Class flows in the Avon River Water Source.

(3)  Following the conversion of an unregulated river access licence to an unregulated river (high flow) access licence under clause 71 of this Plan, the Minister may amend subclause (2) to establish a TDEL for A Class in the relevant water source or management zone.

(4)  Following the imposition of an adaptive environmental water condition on an access licence that requires the water to be left in the water source or management zone for environmental purposes, then the Minister may establish TDELs in the relevant water source or management zone.

Note—

TDELs referred to in subclauses (3) and (4) will not be established unless enabling management systems are in place. This includes monitoring and measurement systems which allow for accurate measurement of flows and extraction.

59 Unassigned TDEL

At the commencement of this Plan, there is no unassigned TDEL in these water sources.

60 Granting of unassigned TDEL

At the commencement of this Plan, there is no unassigned TDEL in these water sources, therefore rules to grant unassigned TDELs are not specified.

61 Individual daily extraction limits for access licences

(1)  At the commencement of this Plan, there are no individual daily extraction limits (hereafter IDELs) established or assigned to access licences in these water sources.

(2)  During the term of this Plan, the Minister may amend this Plan to establish and assign IDELs for:

(i)  unregulated river (high flow) access licences in B Class flows in the Avon River, the Dingo Creek, the Mid Manning River, the Lower Manning River, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers and the Upper Gloucester River Water Sources, and

(ii)  any other access licence in these water sources for which TDELs are established and assigned.

(3)  Notwithstanding subclause (2), when the volume of share component converted to unregulated river (high flow) access licences reach the values specified in (a) to (e) below, the Minister may amend this Plan to assign IDELs to individual unregulated river (high flow) access licences in the respective water source:

(a)  890 unit shares in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(b)  150 unit shares in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(c)  1,720 unit shares in the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(d)  2,350 unit shares in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(e)  650 unit shares in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, and,

(f)  210 unit shares in the Avon River Water Source.

(4)  Where IDELs are established under subclauses (2) and (3), the IDEL is to be assigned in the same proportion as the TDEL for the access licence bears to the sum of all share components of access licences of that category, in the respective water source.

(5)  Notwithstanding subclause (4), where an access licence contains more restrictive conditions than other access licences of the same category in the water source, then any IDEL resulting from subclause (4) shall be adjusted to reflect as far as possible the more restrictive conditions.

62 Adjustment to TDELS and IDELs

(1)  The TDELs established in this Plan may be adjusted, following:

(a)  the imposition of new adaptive environmental water conditions that require water to be left in a water source, or

(b)  the removal of adaptive environmental water conditions that required water to be left in a water source.

(2)  Where an IDEL is assigned under clause 61 and an adaptive environmental water condition requiring water to be left in the water source is:

(a)  imposed on an access licence, then the TDEL established under clause 58 may be decreased by the IDEL on the access licence so committed and clauses 58 and 61 adjusted accordingly, or

(b)  removed from an access licence, then the TDEL established under clause 58 will be increased by the IDEL on the access licence so uncommitted and clause 58 and 61 adjusted accordingly.

63 Administrative arrangements for managing access to daily flows (approved group)

This Plan allows for the group management of access licences in these water sources which have been assigned an IDEL, subject to the following rules:

(a)  all access licences (except local water utility access licences) in these water sources which are assigned an IDEL shall be included in a group (hereafter approved group),

(b)  an approved group shall have a group combined IDEL, being the sum of the IDELs assigned to all access licences in the approved group. The daily extraction of water by all access licences in an approved group must not exceed the group combined IDEL. The daily extraction of water under all access licences within an approved group will be assessed as a whole against the group combined IDEL,

(c)  the Minister may, by notice in writing, remove one or more access licences from an approved group, if:

(i)  the daily extraction of water by an approved group exceeds the group combined IDEL, or

(ii)  the Minister is of the opinion that a holder of an access licence within an approved group has caused the combined group IDEL to be exceeded,

(d)  the daily extraction of water pursuant to an access licence which is not in an approved group must not exceed the IDEL assigned to the access licence,

(e)  the group combined IDEL shall be reduced by the amount of the IDEL assigned to any access licence which is removed from the approved group,

(f)  an access licence holder may, by request made in writing to the Minister, apply to have their access licence removed from an approved group. If the Minister consents to the removal of an access licence from an approved group, the access licence will be removed from the approved group,

(g)  the holder of an access licence which has been assigned an IDEL and which is not in an approved group, may make a written request to the Minister to:

(i)  form a new approved group, or

(ii)  be included in an approved group,

(h)  the Minister may:

(i)  consent or refuse a request to form a new approved group,

(ii)  consent or refuse to allow an access licence to be included in an approved group,

(iii)  consent or refuse a request for an access licence to be removed from one approved group and included in a new approved group,

(i)  where the Minister consents to a new approved group, a new approved group will be formed and will be subject to the rules contained in this clause,

(j)  where an access licence is added to an approved group, the group combined IDEL shall be increased by the amount of IDEL assigned to the access licence,

(k)  an access licence may not be in more than one approved group at any time,

(l)  any part of the IDEL of an access licence which is committed to the environment pursuant to an adaptive environmental water condition:

(i)  shall not be included in an approved group, or

(ii)  where the IDEL is already included in an approved group, shall be removed from the approved group.

64 Amendments to this Plan for the purposes of sharing of surface water flows on a daily basis

(1)  This Part may be amended for the purpose of enabling the sharing of surface water flows on a daily basis.

(2)  Any such amendment may include, but need not be limited to:

(a)  the establishment or modification of TDELs in these water sources,

(b)  the establishment or modification of IDELs for access licences in these water sources,

(c)  the establishment or modification of approved groups and rules to govern the operation of those groups, with respect to TDELs or IDELs in these water sources,

(d)  the imposition, removal or modification of mandatory conditions, or

(e)  to provide for the amendment of the share component or the extraction component of one or more access licences in these water sources pursuant to section 68A of the Act.

65 Accreditation Scheme in these water sources

The Minister may amend this Plan to establish an accreditation scheme in one or more of these water sources.

Note—

An accreditation scheme is defined in the Dictionary.

66 Access to the Very Low Flow Class in these water sources

Access to the Very Low Flow Class in these water sources is limited to access licences, as specified in clause 19 (3) (f) of this Plan.

Note—

Clause 92 provides for amendments to Schedule 2.

cl 66: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [35].

Division 4 Management of surface and groundwater connectivity

67 Access licences which nominated water supply works which may be used to take water from alluvial sediments in these water sources

(1)  The rules in this clause apply to the taking of water under an access licence from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, excluding the taking of water:

(a)  under an access licence used only to account for the taking of water in association with an aquifer interference activity for an approved EP&A Act development when:

(i)  in the Minister’s opinion, there are no reasonably practicable measures the access licence holder can take to comply with the access rules under this clause, and

(ii)  the access licence holder has a water management plan for the aquifer interference activity that has been approved in accordance with the development consent for the activity under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and

(iii)  the water management plan includes conditions that require the return of water to the water source to mitigate the taking of water during times when the access rules apply under this clause, or

(b)  under an access licence used only to account for the taking of water in association with an aquifer interference activity when:

(i)  in the Minister’s opinion, there are no reasonably practicable measures the access licence holder can take to comply with the access rules under this clause, and

(ii)  the access licence holder has a water management plan for the aquifer interference activity that has been approved by the Minister, and

(iii)  the water management plan includes conditions that require the return of water to the water source to mitigate the taking of water during times when the access rules apply under this clause.

(2)  Subject to subclause (7), except for an aquifer access licence referred to in subclause (3) and (4), all aquifer access licences in these water sources which nominate a water supply work which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, excluding the Karuah River Water Source, which is located at or less than 40 metres from the top of the high bank of a river, shall, from year six of this Plan, be subject to the same access rules as unregulated river access licences for the corresponding water source or management zone specified in clause 19 of this Plan.

(3)  Subject to subclause (7), water must not be taken under the following access licences with a share component that specifies a water source with a Very Low Flow Class that has commenced, when flows in that water source are in the Very Low Flow Class:

(a)  an aquifer access licence that has arisen from a conversion from an unregulated river access licence, or

(b)  an access licence, other than an aquifer access licence, that nominates a water supply work that is capable of being used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

(4)  Subject to subclause (7), water must not be taken under the following access licences when there is no visible flow in the river immediately adjacent to the water supply work from which the water is proposed to be taken:

(a)  an aquifer access licence that has arisen from a conversion from an unregulated river access licence, or

(b)  an access licence, other than an aquifer access licence, that nominates a water supply work that is capable of being used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

(5)  Subject to subclause (7), a local water utility access licence which nominates a new water supply work which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, excluding the Karuah River Water Source, which is at or less than 40 metres from the top of the high bank of a river, shall be subject to the same access rules as unregulated river access licences for the corresponding water source or management zone specified in clause 19 of this Plan.

(6)  An access rule specified in clause 19 for unregulated river access licences that requires a visible flow at the pump site shall be taken to mean a visible flow in the river immediately adjacent to the water supply work being used to take water from the alluvial sediments.

(7)  Subclauses (2)–(5) do not apply to the following:

(a)  the taking of water under an access licence to which clause 1 of Schedule 2 applies, for any of the purposes listed below, provided that the volume of water taken does not exceed 20 kilolitres per day per access licence, or such lower amount specified on the access licence in accordance with subclause (8):

(i)  fruit washing,

(ii)  cleaning of dairy plant and equipment for the purpose of hygiene,

(iii)  poultry watering and misting,

(iv)  cleaning of enclosures used for intensive animal production for the purposes of hygiene,

(b)  the taking of water for domestic consumption only under a domestic and stock access licence or a domestic and stock (subcategory “domestic”) access licence that existed at the commencement of this Plan, provided that the volume of water taken does not exceed 1 kilolitre per house supplied by the access licence per day,

(c)  the taking of water under a local water utility access licence or an access licence of the subcategory “Town water supply” to which clause 2 of Schedule 2 applies.

(8)  The Minister may amend a water supply work approval to reduce the maximum daily volume limit imposed by the rule under subclause (8) (a) if the Minister is satisfied that the reduced volume is satisfactory to meet the relevant purpose referred to in that subclause.

(9)  The Minister may amend this clause at or after 1 July 2021 to establish access rules for the taking of water from the Karuah River Water Source.

Note—

It is intended that access rules will be established when this Plan is replaced under section 43 of the Act or extended under section 43A of the Act.

cl 67: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [36]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [99].

Part 12 Access licence dealing rules

68 Access licence dealing rules

(1)  This Part is made in accordance with section 20 (1) (d) of the Act.

(2)  An access licence dealing may only be made in accordance with the water management principles, the access licence dealing rules established by this Plan and any access licence dealing principles order which is in force under section 71Z of the Act.

(3)  If permitted pursuant to the principles and rules referred to in subclause (2), an access licence with an adaptive environmental water condition in these water sources may be the subject of an assignment dealing under section 71T of the Act, but only to the extent that any part of the water allocation of an access licence which is subject to an adaptive environmental water condition is not required to meet the adaptive environmental water condition.

(4)  If permitted pursuant to the principles and rules referred to in subclause (2), an access licence with an adaptive environmental water condition in these water sources may be the subject of a dealing, provided that the benefit to the environment provided for in the adaptive environmental condition remains the same.

Note—

There are a number of mechanisms within the Act, called access licence dealings, to change either the holder of all or part of an access licence, or the location within a water source at which all or part of the share and extraction components of access licences can be exercised.

Note—

Where there is an inconsistency between access licence dealing rules established in this Plan and Minister’s access licence dealing principles gazetted subsequent to the commencement of this Plan, section 71Z of the Act provides for the Minister’s access licence dealing principles to prevail.

cl 68: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [100].

69 Rules relating to constraints within these water sources

(1)  This clause applies to any dealings under sections 71Q, 71S, 71T and 71W of the Act within these water sources.

(2)  The dealings specified in subclause (1) are prohibited if:

(a)  the dealing involves an assignment of water allocation under section 71T of the Act, from a major utility access licence or from an unregulated river (high flow) access licence to another category of access licence within these water sources,

(b)  the dealing would result in the amount of total extraction of water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, under aquifer access licences which nominate a water supply work used to take water from alluvial sediments in these water sources, plus basic landholder rights extractions, requiring a temporary water restriction order to be made under section 324 (2) of the Act,

(c)  the dealing involves an assignment of access rights under section 71Q of the Act, or an allocation assignment under section 71T of the Act from an aquifer access licence that nominates a water supply works which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, which is located more than 40 metres from the top of the bank of a river to a water supply works which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water source, which is located within 40 metres from the top of the bank of a river,

(d)  the dealing involves an assignment of access rights under section 71Q of the Act, or an allocation assignment from an access licence under section 71T of the Act in:

(i)  either the Upper Wallamba River Management Zone or the Tidal Wallamba River Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source to another access licence in the Khappinghat Creek Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source,

(ii)  the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source, to another access licence in a different management zone,

(iii)  the Rowleys River Management Zone to an access licence in the Rowleys River Headwater Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Rowleys River Headwater Management Zone,

(iv)  the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone to an access licence in the Upper Gloucester Headwater Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Upper Gloucester Headwater Management Zone,

(v)  the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone to an access licence in the Cooplacurripa River Headwater Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Cooplacurripa River Headwater Management Zone,

(vi)  the Nowendoc River Management Zone to an access licence in the Nowendoc River Headwaters Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Nowendoc River Headwaters Management Zone,

(vii)  the Lower Barnard River Management Zone to an access licence in the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barnard River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences excluding the major utility share component, exceeding 10 ML in the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone,

(viii)  the Upper Manning River Management Zone to an access licence in the Upper Manning River Headwaters Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Upper Manning River Headwaters Management Zone,

(ix)  the Upper Barrington River Management Zone to an access licence in the Upper Barrington River Headwaters Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Upper Barrington River Headwaters Management Zone,

(x)  the Craven Creek Management Zone to or from an access licence in the Bowman Creek above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone in the Bowman River Water Source,

(xi)  the Lower Bowman River Management Zone to or from an access licence in either the Craven Creek Management Zone or the Bowman Creek above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone in the Bowman River Water Source,

(xii)  the Lower Manning River Water Source, from an access licence downstream to an access licence upstream of the high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem identified in Schedule 4, or

(xiii)  the Karuah Upriver Management Zone from the Karuah Estuarine Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source, and

(e)  the dealing involves an access licence that currently nominates a water supply works:

(i)  in either the Upper Wallamba River Management Zone or the Tidal Wallamba River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Khappinghat Creek Management Zone of the Wallamba River Water Source,

(ii)  in the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source, being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in a different management zone,

(iii)  in the Rowleys River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Rowleys River Headwater Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Rowleys River Headwater Management Zone,

(iv)  in the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Upper Gloucester Headwater Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Upper Gloucester Headwater Management Zone,

(v)  in the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Cooplacurripa River Headwater Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Cooplacurripa River Headwater Management Zone,

(vi)  in the Nowendoc River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Nowendoc River Headwaters Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10 ML in the Nowendoc River Headwaters Management Zone,

(vii)  in the Lower Barnard River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barnard River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences, excluding the major utility share component, exceeding 10ML in the Lower Barnard River Upper Reaches Management Zone,

(viii)  in the Upper Manning River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Upper Manning River Headwaters Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10ML in the Upper Manning River Headwaters Management Zone,

(ix)  in the Upper Barrington River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Upper Barrington River Headwaters Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, where it would result in the total share component of all access licences exceeding 10ML in the Upper Barrington River Headwaters Management Zone,

(x)  in the Craven Creek Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Bowman Creek above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone or in the Bowman Creek above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Craven Creek Management Zone of the Bowman River Water Source,

(xi)  in the Lower Bowman River Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Craven Creek Management Zone or the Bowmans Creek above Craven Creek Junction Management Zone of the Bowman River Water Source,

(xii)  in the Lower Manning River Water Source, downstream of the high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem identified in Schedule 4 being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work upstream of the high priority groundwater dependent ecosystem identified in Schedule 4, and or

(xiii)  the Karuah Estuarine Management Zone being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work in the Karuah Upriver Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source, and

(f)  the dealing involves an access licence that nominate a water supply works which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, which is located more than 40 metres from the top of the bank of a river being amended under section 71W of the Act to nominate a water supply work which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediment in these water sources which is located within 40 metres from the top of the bank of a river.

(3)  The Minister may amend this Plan, during the term of this Plan, to amend the dealing rules to limit dealings within the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source in association with the development of access rules for this water source.

(4)  The Minister may amend this Plan to amend the dealing rules to permit no net dealings between specific management zones within the Bowman Creek Water Source following further studies and/or field verification.

cl 69: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [37]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [101]–[107].

70 Rules for change of water source

(1)  This clause relates to dealings under sections 71Q 71R and 71W of the Act.

Note—

Section 71R dealings are the mechanism by which access licences can move from one water source to another. Once the change in water source has been affected, if permitted, the new licence will have to nominate specified works (by a dealing under section 71W of the Act) in the receiving water source before extraction can commence.

(2)  Dealings under sections 71Q 71R and 71W of the Act to change the water source to which an access licence applies are prohibited in these water sources if the dealing involves a change of water source from one extraction management unit to another extraction management unit.

(3)  Dealings under sections 71Q 71R and 71W of the Act to change the water source to which an access licence applies are prohibited in these water sources if the dealing involves an unregulated river (high flow) access licence.

(4)  Dealings under section 71Q, 71R and 71W of the Act to change the water source to which an access licence applies are prohibited in these water sources if the dealing would result in the total extraction pursuant to access licences which nominate a water supply works which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, plus basic landholder rights extraction requiring a temporary water restriction order to be made under section 324 (2) of the Act.

(5)  Unless the application is for a replacement water supply work which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources that is part of a bore network for a local water utility or town water supply or a new water supply works which may be used to take water from alluvial sediments in these water sources required as part of a dealing involving the conversion of an unregulated river access licence to an aquifer access licence under section 71O of the Act and clause 71 of this Plan, consent to a nominated work under section 71W, is not to be granted in these groundwater sources, if it would result in a water supply work which may be used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources being authorised to extract water within 40 metres of the top of the high bank of a river.

(6)  Dealings under sections 71Q 71R and 71W of the Act to change the water source to which an access licence applies are prohibited in these water sources, unless the dealing involves a change of water source from:

(a)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Rowleys River, the Upper Barrington River, the Upper Barnard River, the Upper Manning River, the Mid Manning River, the Lower Barnard, the Dingo Creek, the Nowendoc River, the Cooplacurripa River, the Myall Creek, the Bowman River, the Upper Gloucester River and the Avon River Water Sources into the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(b)  the Lower Manning River Water Source into the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, the Mid Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barnard River Water Source, the Dingo Creek Water Source, Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Avon River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water sources or management zones to exceed the sum of all access licence share components for the respective water sources or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(c)  the Rowleys River and the Cooplacurripa River Water Sources into the Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(d)  the Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source into the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source and the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(e)  the Upper Barnard River, the Upper Manning River, the Lower Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources into the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(f)  the Mid Manning River Water Source into the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source and the Lower Barnard Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(g)  the Upper Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources into the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(h)  the Avon River, the Bowman River, the Upper Barrington River and the Upper Gloucester River Water Sources into the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(i)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source into the Avon River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(j)  the Lower Barnard Water Source into either the Upper Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources, and would not result in the sum of all share component exceeding 10 ML in total for all dealings within the Upper Barnard or the Myall Creek Water Sources,

(k)  the Lower Manning River Water Source into the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(l)  the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source into the Lower Manning River Water Source, and

(m)  the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source into the Lower Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, the Mid Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barnard River Water Source, the Dingo Creek Water Source, Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Avon River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan.

(7)  An access licence with a share component specifying a water source in these water sources may be cancelled and a new access licence issued in another water source outside these water sources only if:

(a)  the new access licence issued is in a water source that is within the Manning or Great Lakes Extraction Management Unit, and

(b)  the access licence dealing rules in the other surface water source permit such a dealing.

(8)  An access licence with a share component specifying a water source outside of these water sources may be cancelled and a new licence issued in a water source in these water sources only if:

(a)  the access licence cancelled is in a water source that is within the Manning or Great Lakes Extraction Management Unit, and

(b)  the access licence dealing rules in the other surface water source permit such a dealing.

(9)  The share component on any access licence issued under this clause is to be equal to the cancelled access licence share component.

(10)  The extraction component of any cancelled access licence is not to be carried over to the new access licence.

(11)  The Minister may amend this Plan, during the term of this Plan, to amend the dealing rules regarding dealings into and/or out of the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source in association with the development of access rules for this water source.

Note—

This may result in no net dealings being permitted into the Manning River Tidal Pool if such a review determines that such dealing rules would be appropriate.

cl 70: Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [108]–[113].

71 Rules for conversion of access licence category

(1)  This clause relates to dealings under section 71O of the Act.

(2)  Conversion of an access licence of one category to an access licence of another category is permitted only if the conversion is from:

(a)  an unregulated river access licence to an aquifer access licence,

(b)  an unregulated river access licence to a major utility access licence in the Lower Barnard River Water Source, Upper Barnard River Water Source or the Myall Creek Water Source,

(c)  an unregulated river access licence to an unregulated river (high flow) access licence in the Dingo Creek, the Mid Manning River, the Lower Manning, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Upper Gloucester River or the Avon River Water Sources, or

Note—

In the Dingo Creek and Mid Manning River Water Sources, while initial assessment of these water sources did not identify high risk to instream values a precautionary approach was taken, noting that the systems were under high hydrological stress. Allowing for conversion of access to high flows in these water sources was seen as a method to assist in the reduction of hydrologic stress by reducing extraction pressure between users and allowing more equitable sharing of water in periods of low flow.

(d)  an unregulated river access licence to an unregulated river (high flow) access licence in the Karuah River Water Source.

(3)  For any conversion of an access licence under subclause (2) (a)–(d) the access licence being converted shall be cancelled and a new licence issued.

(4)  The share component on an access licence issued under subclause (2) (a) and (b) is to be equal to the cancelled access licence share component.

(5)  The volume of share component on an access licence issued under subclause (2) (c) is to be equal to 2.5 times the cancelled access licence share component.

(6)  The Plan establishes the following limits for the total amount of all access licence share component that may be converted to unregulated river (high flow) access licences under subclause (2) (c):

(a)  1,227.2 unit shares in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

(b)  120 unit shares in the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(c)  2,552.8 unit shares in the Lower Manning Water Source,

(d)  3,566.8 unit shares in the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(e)  836.8 unit shares in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source, and

(f)  168 unit shares in the Avon River Water Source.

Note—

Approval for conversion of an unregulated river access licence to an unregulated river (high flow) access licence will be subject to assessment of the application in regard to the level of impact of the proposed conversion. This should include consideration of the potential impact on high flow (e.g. flows greater than the 50th percentile flow) values, and any potential impact on the water source as a whole.

(7)  The volume of share component on an access licence issued under subclause (2) (d) is:

(a)  to be equal to 2 times the cancelled access licence share component, and

(b)  subject to the total amount of unregulated river (high flow) access licences not exceeding 2,530 unit shares in the Karuah River Water Source.

cl 71: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [7]–[9]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [114]–[118].

72 Rules for interstate access licence transfer and assignments of water allocation

(1)  This clause relates to dealings under section 71U and 71V of the Act.

(2)  Dealings that result in the interstate transfer of an access licence into or out of these water sources or the interstate assignment of water allocations to or from these water sources are prohibited.

73 Rules for water allocation assignments between water sources

(1)  This clause relates to dealings under section 71T of the Act.

(2)  Dealings under section 71T of the Act that result in water allocation assignments to or from an access licence in one of these water sources to or from an access licence in another of these water sources are prohibited if the dealing involves a change of water source from one extraction management unit to another extraction management unit.

(3)  Dealings under section 71T of the Act that result in water allocation assignments to or from an access licence in one of these water sources to or from an access licence in another of these water sources are prohibited if the dealing involves an unregulated river (high flow) access licence.

(4)  Dealings under section 71T that result in water allocation assignments to or from an access licence in one of these water sources to or from an access licence in another of the water sources are prohibited in these water sources if the dealing would result in the total extraction under access licences through nominated water supply works which may be used to take water from alluvial sediments in these water sources, plus basic landholder rights extraction, requiring a temporary water restriction order to be made under section 324 (2) of the Act.

(5)  Dealings under section 71T of the Act that result in water allocation assignments to or from an access licence in one of these water sources to or from an access licence in another of these water sources are prohibited unless the dealing involves a change of water source from:

(a)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Rowleys River, the Upper Barrington River, the Upper Barnard River, the Upper Manning River, the Mid Manning River, the Lower Barnard, the Dingo Creek, the Nowendoc River, the Cooplacurripa River, the Myall Creek, the Bowman River, the Upper Gloucester River and the Avon River Water Sources into the Lower Manning River Water Source,

(b)  the Lower Manning River Water Source into the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, the Mid Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barnard River Water Source, the Dingo Creek Water Source, Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Avon River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(c)  the Rowleys River and the Cooplacurripa River Water Sources into the Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source,

(d)  the Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source into the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source and the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(e)  the Upper Barnard River, the Upper Manning River, the Lower Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources into the Mid Manning River Water Source,

(f)  the Mid Manning River Water Source into the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source and the Lower Barnard Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(g)  the Upper Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources into the Lower Barnard River Water Source,

(h)  the Avon River, the Bowman River, the Upper Barrington River and the Upper Gloucester River Water Sources into the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

(i)  the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source into the Avon River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan,

(j)  the Lower Barnard Water Source into either the Upper Barnard River and the Myall Creek Water Sources, if the dealing would result in the sum of all share component exceeding 10 ML in total for all dealings within the Upper Barnard or Myall Creek Water Sources,

(k)  the Lower Manning River Water Source into the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source,

(l)  the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source into the Lower Manning River Water Source, and

(m)  the Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source into the Lower Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source, the Rowleys River Management Zone of the Rowleys River Water Source, the Upper Barrington River Management Zone of the Upper Barrington River Water Source, the Upper Manning River Management Zone of the Upper Manning River Water Source, the Mid Manning River Water Source, the Lower Barnard River Water Source, the Dingo Creek Water Source, Nowendoc River downstream of Cooplacurripa River Confluence Management Zone of the Nowendoc River Water Source, the Cooplacurripa River Management Zone of the Cooplacurripa River Water Source, the Bowman River Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and the Avon River Water Source, and the dealing causes the sum of all access licence share components in the water source or management zone to exceed the sum of all access licence share components in the respective water source or management zone at the commencement of this Plan.

(6)  Dealings that assign water allocations to or from an access licence inside one of these water sources to or from a water source outside these water sources, but inside the respective Manning or Great Lakes Extraction Management Units, are permitted only if the access licence dealing rules in the other water source permit such a dealing.

Part 13 Mandatory conditions

Note—

Part 15 allows for amendments to be made to this Part.

pt 13: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

Division 1 General

pt 13, div 1: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

74 General

In this Part:

(a)  a requirement to notify the Minister in writing will only be satisfied by writing to the address listed in Appendix 3 of this Plan or to the email address for the Department’s Advisory Service, Water Regulation, and

Note—

At the commencement of this Plan, the email address for the Department’s Advisory Service, Water Regulation is [e-mail].

(b)  a metered water supply work with a data logger means a water supply work with:

(i)  a meter that complies with Australian Standard AS 4747, Meters for non-urban water supply, as may be updated or replaced from time to time, and

(ii)  a data logger, and

(c)  if the holder of a water supply work approval is the same as the holder of the access licence under which water is proposed to be taken, then it is not necessary to maintain two separate Logbooks and all the required information can be kept in one Logbook.

Note—

Logbook is defined in the Dictionary.

cl 74: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [119].

Division 2 Access licences

Note—

This Division is made in accordance with sections 17 (c), 20 and 66 of the Act.

pt 13, div 2: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

75 General

(1)  Access licences in these water sources must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the following:

(a)  the relevant water allocation account management rules specified in Division 2 of Part 11 of this Plan,

(b)  the relevant access rules for the taking of water specified in Part 4 of this Plan, Division 3 of Part 11 of this Plan, and Division 4 of Park 11 of this Plan,

(c)  the holder of the access licence upon becoming aware of a breach of any condition of the access licence must:

(i)  notify the Minister as soon as practicable, and

(ii)  if the notification under subparagraph (i) was not in writing, confirm this notification in writing within 7 days of becoming aware of the breach,

(d)  any other condition required to implement the provisions of this Plan.

(2)  Access licences in these water sources, excluding access licences that nominate only metered water supply works with a data logger, must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the following:

(a)  the holder of the access licence must keep a Logbook,

(b)  the holder of the access licence must record the following in the Logbook:

(i)  each date and start and end time during which water was taken under the access licence,

(ii)  the volume of water taken on that date,

(iii)  the water supply work approval number of the water supply work used to take the water on that date,

(iv)  the purpose or purposes for which the water was taken on that date,

(v)  for domestic and stock access licences, local water utility access licences, unregulated river access licences, unregulated river (high flow) access licences and aquifer access licences with share components that specify one of these water sources excluding aquifer access licences with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source, the volume of water taken in the first three water years of this Plan by comparison to the volume of water permitted to be taken in those years under clause 56 (4),

(vi)  for domestic and stock access licences, local water utility access licences, unregulated river access licences, unregulated river (high flow) access licences and aquifer access licences with share components that specify one of these water sources excluding aquifer access licences with a share component that specifies the Karuah River Water Source, the volume of water taken in any three consecutive water years after the first water year of this Plan by comparison to the volume of water permitted to be taken in those years under clause 56 (3),

(vii)  for aquifer access licences with share components that specify the Karuah River Water Source, the volume of water taken in the first three water years after the commencement of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 by comparison to the volume of water permitted to be taken in those years under clause 56 (4B),

(vii)  for aquifer access licences with share components that specify the Karuah River Water Source, the volume of water taken in any three consecutive water years after the first water after the commencement of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2016 by comparison to the volume of water permitted to be taken in those years under clause 56 (4A), and

(ix)  any other information required to be recorded in the Logbook under the rules of this Plan,

(c)  the holder of the access licence must produce the Logbook to the Minister for inspection, when requested,

(d)  the holder of the access licence must retain the information required to be recorded in the Logbook for five years from the date to which that information relates.

(3)  The Minister may require the holder of an access licence that nominates only a metered water supply work with a data logger to keep a Logbook in accordance with any requirements under subclause (2).

(4)  An access licence for an approved EP&A Act development must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the rules for the use of water supply works located within the restricted distances specified in clause 41B.

cl 75: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [120].

Division 3 Water supply work approvals

pt 13, div 3, hdg: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

pt 13, div 3, hdg, note: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

Note—

This Division is made in accordance with sections 17 (c) and 100 of the Act.

76 General

(1)  Water supply work approvals for water supply works in these water sources must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the following:

(a)  the water supply work must not be used to take water under an access licence unless in compliance with the relevant access rules for the taking of water as specified in Part 4 of this Plan, Division 3 of Part 11 of this Plan, and Division 4 of Part 11 of this Plan,

(b)  when directed by the Minister by notice in writing, the approval holder must have metering equipment installed that meets the following requirements:

(i)  the metering equipment must accurately measure and record the flow of all water taken through the water supply work,

(ii)  the metering equipment must comply with Australian Standard AS 4747, Meters for non-urban water supply, as may be updated or replaced from time to time,

(iii)  the metering equipment must be operated and maintained in a proper and efficient manner at all times,

(iv)  the metering equipment must be sited and installed at a place in the pipe, channel or conduit between the water source and the first discharge outlet. There must be no flow of water out of the pipe, channel or conduit between the water source and the metering equipment,

(v)  any other requirements as to type, standard or other criteria for the metering equipment specified in the notice,

Note—

The Minister may direct a landholder or person to install, replace or to properly maintain metering equipment under section 326 of the Act.

(c)  the approval holder must ensure that, if the water supply work is abandoned or replaced, it is decommissioned in accordance with any direction from the Minister. The Minister may direct that any such water supply work need not be decommissioned,

(d)  within sixty days of the decommissioning of the water supply work, the approval holder must notify the Minister in writing that the water supply work has been decommissioned,

(e)  the holder of the water supply work approval upon becoming aware of a breach of any condition of the approval must:

(i)  notify the Minister as soon as practicable, and

(ii)  if the notification under subparagraph (i) was not in writing, confirm this notification in writing within 7 days of becoming aware of the breach,

(f)  any other conditions required to implement the provisions of this Plan.

(2)  Water supply work approvals for water supply works in these water sources, excluding a water supply work that is a metered water supply work with a data logger or is used for the purpose of taking water under basic landholder rights only, must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the following:

(a)  the holder of a water supply work approval must keep a Logbook,

(b)  the holder of a water supply work approval must record the following in the Logbook:

(i)  each date and start and end time during which water was taken using the water supply work,

(ii)  the volume of water taken on that date,

(iii)  the number of the access licence under which water was taken on that date, or, if water was taken under some other authority (such as basic landholder rights), the authority under which water was taken,

(iv)  the purpose or purposes for which the water was taken on that date,

(v)  details of any cropping carried out using the water taken through the water supply work including the type of crop, area cropped and dates of planting and harvesting,

(vi)  where metering equipment has been installed for use in connection with the water supply work, the meter reading before water is taken,

(vii)  where metering equipment has not been installed for use in connection with the water supply work, details of all pumping activities for the water supply work including pump running hours, pump power usage or pump fuel usage, pump start and stop times and pump capacity per unit of time,

(viii)  any other information required to be recorded in the Logbook under the rules of this Plan,

(c)  the holder of a water supply work approval must produce the Logbook to the Minister for inspection, when requested,

(d)  the holder of a water supply work approval must retain the information required to be recorded in the Logbook for five years from the date to which that information relates.

(3)  The Minister may require the holder of a water supply work approval for a metered water supply work with a data logger to keep a Logbook in accordance with any requirements under subclause (2).

(4)  All water supply work approvals must contain mandatory conditions to require that the water supply work must not be used to take water unless, before water is taken, the holder of the water supply work approval confirms that the relevant cease to take conditions do not apply. Where the holder is required to keep a Logbook, the holder must record that confirmation and the means of confirmation (such as visual inspection or internet search), in the Logbook.

(5)  A water supply work approval which authorises the construction or use of a water supply work which is nominated by a local water utility or major utility access licence in these water sources, including all subcategories of major utility access licences, must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the relevant release rules for local water utility and major utility storages specified in Part 14 of this Plan.

(6)  Water supply work approvals for runoff harvesting dams and in-river dams must have a mandatory condition where required to give effect to clauses 36 and 37.

cl 76: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [121].

77 Water supply works used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources

(1)  This clause applies to all water supply work approvals for water supply works that are authorised to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources.

(2)  Water supply work approvals to which this clause applies must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to the following:

(a)  the rules for limiting the taking of water within the distance restrictions as specified in clause 41B,

(b)  the approval holder must ensure the water supply work is constructed so as to be:

(i)  screened in the water source specified in the share component of the access licence that nominates the work, and

(ii)  sealed off from all other water sources,

(c)  the construction of a new water supply work must:

(i)  comply with the restricted distances specified in, or specified by the Minister in accordance with clauses 38–41A, and

(ii)  comply with the construction standards for that type of bore in the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia, 2012, and

Note—

Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia is defined in the Dictionary.

(iii)  be constructed to prevent contamination between aquifers, and

(iv)  be constructed to prevent the flow of saline water between aquifers as directed by the Minister in writing,

(d)  the approval holder must ensure that if the water supply work is abandoned or replaced it is decommissioned in compliance with the “minimum requirements for decommissioning bores” prescribed in the Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia, unless otherwise directed by the Minister in writing,

(e)  within sixty days of the decommissioning of the water supply work, the approval holder must notify the Minister in writing that the water supply work has been decommissioned,

(f)  the approval holder must, within sixty days of completion of the construction of the water supply work, or within sixty days after the issue of the water supply work approval if the approval is for the amendment of an existing water supply work, submit the details of the water supply work to the Department in a form approved by the Minster,

(g)  if, during the construction of the work, contaminated water is encountered above the production aquifer, the approval holder must:

(i)  notify the Minister within 48 hours of becoming aware of the contaminated water,

(ii)  take all reasonable steps to minimise contamination and environmental harm,

(iii)  ensure that such water is sealed off by inserting casing to a depth sufficient to exclude the contaminated water from the work and, if specified by the Minister, place an impermeable seal between the casing and the walls of the water supply work from the bottom of the casing to ground level as specified by the Minister, and

(iv)  if the Minister has specified any other requirements, comply with any requirements specified by the Minister in writing,

(h)  when directed by the Minister by notice in writing, the approval holder must provide a report in the form specified in the notice detailing the quality of any water obtained using the water supply work,

(i)  the water supply work approval will lapse if the construction of the water supply work is not completed within three years of the issue of the water supply work approval,

(j)  any other conditions required to implement the provisions of this Plan.

(3)  A water supply work approval granted in circumstances where clause 39 (2) (d) applies must have mandatory conditions where required to give effect to clause 39 (2B).

cl 77: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [122].

78–83 (Repealed)

cll 78–81: Rep 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

cl 82: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [10]. Rep 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

cl 83: Rep 2013 (88), Sch 1 [38].

Part 14 System operation rules

84 Rules for major utility storages

(1)  In the Lower Barnard River Water Source up to 30,000 ML/year may be diverted from the Barnard River Dam provided that:

(a)  releases obtain a minimum of either:

(i)  the 80th percentile flow in the Barnard River at the gauging weir downstream of the junction of the Barnard River and Orham Creek, or

(ii)  the inflow to the Dam,

(b)  the maximum volume taken is less than or equal to 100,000 ML over any five consecutive water years, in accordance with clause 56 (7) of this Plan,

(c)  releases of water are not required to be made when Barnard River Dam is spilling at a rate that equals or exceeds the minimal flow release requirement referred to in paragraph (a), and

(d)  the Minister may suspend or alter the release requirements under paragraph (a) for the purpose of an emergency or maintenance activity that has the potential to temporarily affect the flow volume or behaviour of water for periods of more than 24 hours.

(2)  Based on the outcomes of the ‘Studies into Barnard Losses’ to be undertaken by Macquarie Generation, in consultation with the Department, and assessment of implementation of release rules, if the estimated volume of water reaching Jerrys Plains does not meet the shortfall from the Hunter System for the major utility to operate at 80% capacity factor through the worst drought on record (1936–46), then the Minister will amend this Plan to increase accordingly the Barnard long-term average annual diversion as specified in clause 56 (7) and/or the maximum annual diversion as specified in clause 84 (1).

cl 84: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [6]; 2013 (88), Sch 1 [39].

Part 15 Amendment of this Plan

85 Amendment of this Plan

(1)  Amendments specified throughout this Plan and in this Part, are amendments authorised by this Plan.

(2)  Amendments authorised by this Plan are taken to include any consequential amendments required to be made to this Plan to give effect to that particular amendment.

Note—

For example, if Part 1 is amended to add a new management zone, this may require amendments to other parts of this Plan to include rules for that management zone.

(3)  An amendment authorised by this Plan which results in a variation of the bulk access regime, is an amendment authorised by this Plan for the purposes of sections 87 (2) (c) and 87AA of the Act.

cl 85: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [40].

86 Amendment of very low flow provisions

(1)  The Minister may amend this Plan to amend the Very Low Flow Classes and the bottom of A Classes for the Upper Barrington River, the Upper Gloucester River, the Bowman River, the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers, the Dingo Creek, the Lower Manning River, the Mid Manning River and the Upper Manning River Water Sources established in clauses 17 (1) (b), (c), (d), (h), (i), (j), (o), (p) and (s) following field verification and the review of relevant studies.

(2)  Any amendment made under subclause (1) should not result in the Very Low Flow Class being:

Note—

Visible flow was chosen as the lower limit of the bounds of change taking into account submissions during the public exhibition period in the Dingo Creek, Bowman Creek, Upper Manning and Upper Gloucester River Water Sources. The 99th percentile was chosen as the lower limit of the bounds of change taking into account submissions by Water User Associations during the targeted consultation period in the Lower Manning, Mid Manning, Upper Barrington, and Lower Barrington/Gloucester River Water Sources. This approach was used to ensure equity between water sources and to take into account the cumulative relationship between water sources. Science will be the basis for the setting of the CTP levels and water users should be aware that this figure may be set as high as the 95th percentile if the science supports this.

(a)  less than visible flow or greater than 95th percentile in the Dingo Creek Water Source,

Note—

Further data collection is required before flow levels can be determined more accurately. The estimated 95th percentile corresponds to around 3 to 10 ML/day of flows.

(b)  less than 54 ML/day or greater than 225 ML/day in the Lower Manning and Mid Manning River Water Sources,

Note—

54 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 99th percentile and 225 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile.

(c)  less than visible flow or greater than 95th percentile in the Upper Gloucester River Water Source,

Note—

Further data collection is required before flow levels can be determined more accurately. The estimated 95th percentile corresponds to around 4.5 to 7.5 ML/day of flows.

(d)  less than 23 ML/day or greater than 61 ML/day in the Upper Barrington River Water Source and Lower Barrington Upper Reaches Management Zone of the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

Note—

23 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 99th percentile and 61 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile.

(e)  less than 13 ML/day or greater than 68 ML/day in the Lower Barrington River Management Zone and the Lower Gloucester River Management Zone of the Lower Barrington/Gloucester Rivers Water Source,

Note—

13 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 99th percentile and 68 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile.

(f)  less than visible flow or greater than 68 ML/day in the Bowman River Water Source,

Note—

68 ML/day corresponds to the estimated 95th percentile.

(g)  less than visible flow or greater than the 95th percentile in the Upper Manning River Water Source, and

Note—

Further data collection is required before flow levels can be determined more accurately. The estimated 95th percentile corresponds to around 22 ML/day of flows.

(h)  greater than visible flow at the end of the water source in the Avon River Water Source and Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source.

Note—

Visible flow at the end of the water source is the highest level of management initially proposed for these water sources and will form the upper bound of change for any amendment of the flow classes. Provision for pool protection through inflow/outflow rules are the environmental water provisions form the lower bound of change.

(3)  For the purpose of such amendments, the field verification in subclause (1) is to be undertaken by 1 August 2016 where possible, and no later than year ten of this Plan.

(4)  The field verification should assess the degree to which the objectives of clause 10 (a) and (b) of this Plan are met.

(5)  In preparing the field verification:

(a)  consultation with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services, and representatives of interest groups and water users should be undertaken, as required, and

Note—

Interest groups may include representatives of local Water User Associations, Landcare or environment groups, local industry and commerce representatives, Aboriginal groups, local government etc.

(b)  a report should be prepared documenting:

(i)  the methodology adopted,

(ii)  the hypotheses tested,

(iii)  the field results and conclusions in terms of the degree to which the objectives in clause 10 (a) and (b) are met,

(iv)  the consideration of relevant studies including, but not limited to:

(a)  studies completed by Midcoast Water in relation to estuarine flow requirements, and

Note—

Other studies being completed by individuals or organisations will also be considered, such as work being carried out by Great Lakes Shire Council in relation to Wallis, Smiths and Myall Lakes, and their tributaries.

(b)  modelling to show if percentiles derived for estuary needs should be applied to upstream catchments,

(v)  any Aboriginal cultural values or sites which may need to be protected by a specific flow regime,

(vi)  the flow level recommended to meet the objectives, and

(vii)  the socio-economic impacts of the recommended changes to the flow levels.

(6)  The Minister may, under section 45 (1) (b) of the Act and by notice published in the NSW Government Gazette, vary the very low flow levels established in clause 17 and consequently the bottom of A class established in clause 17, following field verification.

(7)  Any variation made under subclause (1) should not result in the 3.5 ML/day level (cease to pump) being less than 4 ML/day or being greater than 9 ML/day inclusive, with the 5 ML/day commence to pump flow level adjusted by an equal volume.

(8)  The Minister should cause the field verification in subclause (1) to be undertaken as soon as practical, but before the review of this Plan under section 43 (2) of the Act.

(9)  The field verification should assess the degree to which the following objectives are met:

(a)  Objective 1—to protect water levels in natural river pools and wetlands during periods of no flow, and

(b)  Objective 2—to protect natural low flows.

(10)  In undertaking the field verification the Minister should:

(a)  consult with the NSW Environment Protection Authority, NSW Fisheries, NSW Agriculture and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and

(b)  prepare a report documenting:

(i)  the methodology adopted,

(ii)  the hypotheses tested,

(iii)  the field results and conclusions in terms of the degree to which the objectives in subclause (9) are met,

(iv)  the flow level recommended to meet the objectives in subclause (9), and

(v)  the socio-economic impacts of recommended changes to the flow level.

cl 86: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [41]; 2013 No 51, Sch 8.1 [2]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [123] [124].

87 Amendment of tidal pool provisions

(1)  The Minister may amend this Plan to:

(i)  establish or modify flow classes, or

(ii)  amend access licence dealing rules,

in the Manning River Tidal Pool Water Source, following review of the study referred to in clause 17 (2) (e) and the determination of licence entitlements.

(2)  The Minister should cause the development of access rules, and review of dealing rules in subclause (1) to be undertaken by year five of this Plan where possible, and no later than year ten of this Plan.

(3)  In developing the access rules and reviewing the dealing rules:

(a)  consultation with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and representatives of interest groups and water users should be undertaken, as required, and

Note—

Interest groups may include representatives of local Water User Associations, Landcare or environment groups, local industry and commerce representatives, Aboriginal groups, local government etc.

(b)  a report should be prepared to be used by the agencies and stakeholders specified in paragraph (a) documenting:

(i)  the methodology adopted,

(ii)  the field results and conclusions in terms of the degree to which the objectives in clause 10 (a) and (b) are met,

(iii)  the field results and conclusions in regard to whether to adopt access rules based on salinity levels, inflows from upstream water sources or other management approaches, including consideration of:

(a)  the homogeneity of the tidal pool indicating whether rules apply across the water source or whether specific rules may apply to management zones or areas within the water source,

(b)  the suitability of sites for measurement of flow or salinity levels,

(c)  the significance of extraction on salinity levels, if required,

(d)  ecosystem requirements, and

(e)  where access rules are based on upstream hydrology, the Very Low Flow Class should be consistent with the bounds of change specified in clause 88 (2), that is, less than 99th percentile or greater than the 95th percentile.

(iv)  the proposed access and dealing rules recommended to meet the objectives,

(v)  the consideration of relevant studies including the outcomes of low flow verification studies undertaken in clause 86 (5), and

(vi)  the socio-economic impacts of the recommended rules.

cl 87: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [6] [11] [12]; 2013 No 51, Sch 8.1 [2].

88 Amendment of pool protection provisions

(1)  The Minister may amend this Plan to establish pool control levels and key sites for the Dingo Creek Water Source, the Upper Gloucester River Management Zone of the Upper Gloucester River Water Source and any other water source where appropriate.

(2)  For the purpose of such amendments, a study to identify pool control levels and key sites should be undertaken as soon as practicable, but before year six of this Plan.

(3)  The study should assess whether the pool control levels and key sites are required and whether they meet the objective specified in clause 10 (a) of this Plan, and specifically considering:

(a)  the suitability of the location of the key sites used in assessing pool health upstream of the site,

(b)  the drawdown of the water levels from the pool upstream of the key site during periods of extraction, and

(c)  the significance of the pools that are impacted by the drawdown.

(4)  In preparing the study:

(a)  consultation with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and representatives of interest groups and water users should be undertaken, as required, and

Note—

Interest groups may include representatives of local Water User Associations, Landcare or environment groups, local industry and commerce representatives, Aboriginal groups, local government etc.

(b)  a report should be prepared to be used by the agencies and stakeholders specified in paragraph (a) documenting:

(i)  the methodology adopted

(ii)  the hypotheses tested,

(iii)  the field results and conclusions in terms of the degree to which the objective in clause 10 (a) is met,

(iv)  the pool control levels and key sites recommended to meet the objective, and

(v)  the socio-economic impacts of the recommended changes to the pool controls.

Note—

Changes to the geomorphology of reaches of the Upper Gloucester River and Dingo Creek Water Sources has led to conditions whereby flow may cease in some sections of the river despite levels at the reference site being above the cease to pump.

cl 88: Am 2009 No 106, Sch 2.48 [6]; 2013 No 51, Sch 8.1 [2].

89 Amendments due to floodplain harvesting

This Plan may be amended to provide for the floodplain harvesting of water, subject to the amendments not affecting the outcomes of the long-term average annual extraction limit specified within this Plan.

Note—

This means that this Plan can be changed to issue and manage floodplain harvesting licences provided that the long-term average annual extraction limit (LTAAEL) does not increase or decrease. Floodplain harvesting in coastal systems is limited compared to inland systems. By not amending the LTAAEL with the granting of these licences, coastal systems are being consistent with inland systems where growth is managed within the existing LTAAEL.

90 Amendments for alluvial aquifers downstream of the tidal limit

The Minister may amend this Plan, where required, to include provisions and rules for any alluvial aquifer that is downstream of the tidal limit and within or outside of the area of this Plan.

91 Amendments for stormwater harvesting

The Minister may amend this Plan to include rules for any new category of access licence established under the Act for the purpose of stormwater harvesting.

92 Amendments in relation to Schedule 2 (Very Low Flow)

The Minister may amend this Plan to:

(a)  add a Water Act 1912 entitlement or access licence to Schedule 2 if the taking of water under that entitlement was for a purpose referred to in clause 19 (3) (f) (i) and the purpose existed prior to 1 July 2008, or

(b)  remove a Water Act 1912 entitlement from Schedule 2, if:

(i)  any access licence dealing results in water being taken, under the access licence which replaced the Water Act 1912 entitlement, from a different location, or

(ii)  an alternative water supply is obtained that satisfies the requirement(s) for water for the purposes listed in this clause, or the purpose no longer exists, or

(iii)  the access licence which replaced the Water Act 1912 entitlement is surrendered or cancelled,

(c)  amend or remove Schedule 2 to this Plan, following an assessment which determines that the requirement for access to water in the Very Low Flow Class under this clause is no longer required generally or for specific access licences,

(d)  add an access licence to Schedule 2, provided the Minister is satisfied that the water supply system used to take, store and deliver water has not undergone major augmentation since the commencement of this Plan,

(e)  remove an access licence or Water Act 1912 entitlement from Schedule 2 if the Minister is satisfied that the water supply system used to take, store and deliver water has undergone major augmentation since the commencement of this Plan, and

(f)  for the purposes of paragraphs (d) and (e), major augmentation includes anything which enhances or increases the local water utility’s capacity to take water to meet town water supply requirements as a result of demand for water exceeding the sustainable yield of the utility’s existing infrastructure, for example, a larger pump, a larger storage facility, a larger pipe, or a secondary or additional water source.

cl 92: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [42] [44] [45].

93 Amendments in relation to mandatory conditions

Part 13 may be amended to do any of the following:

(a)  amend the rules in relation to record keeping including amendments in relation to requirements for Logbooks, or

(b)  amend clauses 76 and 77 to specify different standards or requirements for decommissioning water supply works or construction requirements for water supply works.

cl 93: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [46].

94 Other

(1)  This Plan may be amended to do any of the following:

(a)  establish or assign TDELs in these water sources or management zones to protect a proportion of flow within each flow class for the environment,

(b)  amend or remove TDELs if TDELs have been established or assigned,

(c)  include rules for the establishment, assignment and removal of IDELs,

(d)  remove the existing access rules where TDELs and/or IDELs have been established under paragraphs (a) or (c) to protect a proportion of flow within each flow class for the environment,

(e)  reinstate access rules that applied at the commencement of this Plan, where TDELs and IDELs have been removed under paragraphs (b) and (c),

(f)  amend existing flow classes, establish new or additional flow classes or amend the flow reference point in order to establish TDELs and IDELs.

(2)  This Plan may be amended to include rules for the following:

(a)  managed aquifer recharge,

Note—

Managed aquifer recharge schemes involve taking water such as recycled water or urban stormwater, treating it and then storing it in underground aquifers under controlled conditions. This water can then be extracted at a later time.

(b)  the interception of water before it reaches a stream or aquifer by plantations or other means,

(c)  the management of salt interception schemes,

(d)  once a review of the effectiveness of Stroud Weir fishway in the Karuah River Water Source is undertaken, the flow classes for the Karuah Upriver Management Zone in the Karuah River Water Source in clause 17 (1) (ab) may be amended to provide supplementary environmental water rules relating directly to Stroud Weir fishway and freshwater fish migration.

(3)  Consequential amendments may be made to this Plan as a result of an amendment to the Act or regulations.

(4)  This Plan may be amended following the granting of a native title claim pursuant to the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth to give effect to an entitlement granted under that claim.

(5)  This Plan may be amended after Year 5 of this Plan to provide rules for the protection of water-dependent Aboriginal cultural assets to do any of the following:

(a)  identify water-dependent Aboriginal cultural assets,

(b)  restrict the granting and amending of water supply work approvals to protect water-dependent Aboriginal cultural assets,

(c)  amend the dealing rules to protect water-dependent Aboriginal cultural assets.

(6)  Any amendment under subclause (5) will take into account the socio-economic impacts of the proposed change and the environmental water requirements of the water source.

(7)  Before making an amendment pursuant to subclause (5) the Minister should consult with relevant Government agencies and stakeholders.

cl 94: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [46]. Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [125].

sch 1: Am 2013 (88), Sch 1 [47]–[50]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [126]–[132].

Dictionary

The following definitions apply to this Plan in addition to the definitions set out in the Act:

Aboriginal person has the same meaning as it has in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.

accreditation scheme means the “Water Use Accreditation Scheme” operated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and assessed as adequate by the Department

approved EP& Act development means:

(a)  a project approved under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (whether before or after its repeal), or

(b)  State significant development authorised by a development consent under Part 4 of that Act, or

(c)  State significant infrastructure approved under Part 5.1 of that Act.

cease to take condition means any term or condition on a water supply work approval, an access licence or Water Act 1912 entitlement that prohibits the taking of water in a particular circumstance.

drawdown means a lowering of the level to which water will rise in cased bores.

Note—

Natural drawdown may occur due to seasonal climatic changes. Groundwater pumping may also result in seasonal and long-term drawdown.

flow gauging station is a device that is used to measure the height of a river or flow in a river.

full capacity means the volume of water that is impounded in the pool, lagoon or lake when the pool, lagoon or lake is at the level when a visible flow out of that pool, lagoon or lake would cease.

groundwater is water that occurs beneath the ground surface in the saturated zone.

groundwater dependent ecosystems include ecosystems which have their species composition and natural ecological processes wholly or partially determined by groundwater.

high priority groundwater dependent ecosystems include groundwater dependent ecosystems which are considered high priority for protection or restoration.

in-river dam is a dam located in or on a river.

in-river dam pool means the area of water immediately upstream of an in-river dam where the river has pooled as a result of an in-river dam.

individual daily extraction limit (IDEL) is described in clause 61 of this Plan.

karst environment means an area of land, including subterranean land, that has developed in soluble rock through the processes of solution, abrasion or collapse, together with its associated bedrock, soil, water, gases and biodiversity.

Logbook in relation to an access licence or water supply work approval, means a written record, kept in hard copy or electronic form, which accurately records all information required to be kept in relation to the access licence or water supply work approval under the rules in this Plan.

management zone is an area within the surface water source in which daily extraction limits may be defined or where dealing restrictions are approved. Management zones may be designated where the surface water source to which the plan applies is divided into areas and total daily extraction limits are defined for each area. They may also be designated where local dealing restrictions are in place.

mangrove limit is defined in the document prepared by the Manly Hydraulic Laboratory entitled Survey of Tidal Limits and Mangrove Limits in NSW estuaries 1996 to 2005, ISBN 0-7347-4302-5 (NSW Department of Natural Resources, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory).

Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia means the document published by the National Uniform Drillers Licensing Committee entitled Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia, 2012, ISBN 978-0-646-56917-8, as amended or replaced from time to time.

monitoring bore refers to a bore constructed for the purpose of measuring water levels and/or taking samples for water quality analysis.

replacement bore, for the purposes of this Plan, refers to the replacement of an existing water supply work constructed or used to take water from the alluvial sediments in these water sources, where the share component for the access licence nominating the water supply work has not increased and is within the specifications of the water supply work approval, provided that:

(a)  the replacement water supply work is within 20 metres of the existing water supply work,

(b)  the water supply work approval does not compromise any other rules for granting water supply works being used to take water from alluvial sediments in these water sources,

(c)  the water supply work approval will be subject to the provisions relating to the amendment of an approval under section 107 of the Act.

runoff harvesting dam means a dam on a hillside or minor stream which collects and stores rainfall runoff. Minor streams are defined in the harvestable rights orders made under section 54 of the Act. For the purposes of this Plan, references to runoff harvesting dams as water supply works include any associated pumps or other works which take water from the dam. For the purpose of clarity, this definition includes dams that are also used to store water diverted into the dam from a river or other source of water.

slotted intervals mean that part of a water bore where slots in the casing occur which are designed to allow water to enter the bore.

tidal limit has the same meaning as defined in the document prepared by the Manly Hydraulic Laboratory entitled Survey of Tidal Limits and Mangrove Limits in NSW estuaries 1996 to 2005, ISBN 0-7347-4302-5 (NSW Department of Natural Resources, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory).

tidal pool is defined, for the purposes of this Plan, as the area of water between the upper mangrove limit and the lower tidal limits.

Note—

Mangrove limit and tidal limit are defined in the document prepared by the Manly Hydraulic Laboratory entitled Survey of Tidal Limits and Mangrove Limits in NSW estuaries 1996 to 2005, ISBN 0-7347-4302-5 (NSW Department of Natural Resources, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory).

total daily extraction limit (TDEL) is described in clause 58 of this Plan.

visible flow is the continuous downstream movement of water that is perceptible to the eye.

Water Act 1912 entitlement has the same meaning as an entitlement in clause 2 of Schedule 10 to the Act.

water year means a year commencing 1 July.

Schedule 2 Access licences used to take surface water exempt from cease to pump rules

1 General

This clause applies to each access licence which replaces a Water Act 1912 entitlement listed in the table below.

Water Act 1912 entitlements that will be replaced by access licences on commencement of this Plan

20BL166823

20BL167130

20BL168359

20SL021370

20SL021476

20SL021507

20SL021509

20SL021559

20SL021660

20SL021717

20SL021964

20SL023478

20SL024073

20SL024158

20SL024444

20SL024517

20SL024596

20SL027211

20SL027959

20SL028376

20SL029842

20SL030639

20SL031506

20SL031541

20SL031823

20SL033839

20SL034011

20SL034204

20SL034799

20SL035247

20SL035393

20SL035645

20SL036378

20SL040017

20SL041506

20SL043003

20SL043285

20SL048719

20SL040731

20SL041763

20SL043052

20SL044477

20SL049302

20SL050162

20SL050357

20SL050676

20SL051915

20SL060015

20SL060023

20SL060027

20SL060028

20SL060029

20SL060057

20SL060093

20SL060108

20SL060110

20SL060126

20SL060127

20SL060131

20SL060143

20SL060173

20SL060200

20SL060217

20SL060230

20SL060235

20SL060236

20SL060237

20SL060240

20SL060242

20SL060246

20SL060251

20SL060256

20SL060258

20SL060294

20SL060305

20SL060307

20SL060308

20SL060320

20SL060323

20SL060356

20SL060361

20SL060363

20SL060367

20SL060376

20SL060400

20SL060409

20SL060415

20SL060439

20SL060443

20SL060561

20SL060564

20SL060574

20SL060575

20SL060578

20SL060646

20SL060647

20SL060760

20SL060764

20SL060840

20SL060865

20SL060873

20SL060879

20SL060925

20SL060927

20SL060989

20SL061075

20SL061087

20SL061089

20SL061094

20SL061096

20SL061119

20SL061127

20SL061133

20SL061142

20SL061145

20SL061176

20SL061183

20SL061453

20SL061591

20SL061611

20SL061632

20SL021737

20SL061726

20SL061102

20SL060639

20SL060861

20SL060862

20SL060863

20SL060867

20SL060881

20SL060887

20SL061018

20SL061019

20SL061020

20SL061021

20SL061269

2 Local water utility access licences and access licences of the subcategory “Town water supply”

This clause applies to each access licence which replaces a Water Act 1912 entitlement listed in the table below.

Water Act 1912 entitlements that will be replaced by local water utility access licences or access licences of the subcategory “Town water supply” on commencement of this Plan

20AL200003

20SL022548

20SL022558

20SL029347

20SL029347

20SL045139

20SL046844

20SL060565

sch 2: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [51]; 2016 (382), Sch 1 [133].

Appendix 2: Subst 2013 (88), Sch 1 [52]. Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [136].

Schedule 3 Contamination sources in the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources

Contamination sources in these water sources include:

(a)  on site sewage disposal systems or septic tanks,

(b)  any sites where contamination has been assessed as presenting a significant risk of harm under Contaminated Land Management Act 1997,

(c)  any sites with an historical use listed in Table 1 of “Managing Land Contamination. Planning Guidelines. SEPP 55 — Remediation of Land”, and

(d)  any relevant sites listed in an agency database relating to contamination sources.

Appendix 3: Ins 2013 (88), Sch 1 [53]. Am 2016 (382), Sch 1 [137].

Schedule 4 High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems

High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the alluvial sediments in these water sources are as specified in Table B.

Table B—High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5	Column 6
High priority groundwater system	Type	Easting	Northing	Zone	Water Source
Bobs Swamp	Wetland	354258.278	6454548.23	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Black Swamp	Wetland	355005.874	6453625.785	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Brumlow Swamp	Wetland	354292.22	6458709.58	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Edwards Swamp	Wetland	352744.77	6454991.25	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Great Swamp	Wetland	471112.26	6478181.95	56	Manning Estuary Tributaries Water Source
Little Murray Swamp	Wetland	354265.86	6460557.25	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Saxby Swamp	Wetland	354371.37	6453166.55	56	Upper Barrington River Water Source
Wallaroo Swamp	Wetland	399811.75	6389041.74	56	Karuah River

Notes—

1 High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems ( GDEs ) are currently under investigation and some may be identified during the term of this Plan. The full list of potential GDEs will be identified on the Departmental GDE Register and as a precautionary approach, will be considered by staff in the assessment of any application for a water supply work approval within the area of this Plan. If it becomes verified as a high priority GDE, this Schedule will be amended to include the GDE.

2 The global positioning system coordinates listed in the table above provide a guide for where high priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems are located. However, the location of the outer edge of the high priority groundwater-dependent ecosystem will be different from this point, which will be located within the outside limit of the ecosystem.

3 The approximate location of GDEs listed in Column 1 of Table B is provided as Easting and Northing coordinates in Columns 3 and 4 of Table B.

4 The GDEs identified in Table B are shown in Appendix 4.

sch 4: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [134].

Appendix 1: Subst 2016 (382), Sch 1 [135].

Appendix 4: Ins 2016 (382), Sch 1 [138].

Appendix 1 Overview of the Plan Map

Overview of the Plan Map (WSP001_Version 2) Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009

Appendix 2 Inspection of the Plan Map

Copies of the Plan Map may be inspected at the following offices:

DPI Water
Department of Primary Industries
10 Valentine Ave
PARRAMATTA NSW 2150

DPI Water
Department of Primary Industries
Level 3, 26 Honeysuckle Drive
DANGAR NSW 2309

Appendix 3 Office

Any notifications that may be required to be made to the Minister, as specified in this Plan can be addressed to the following office:

DPI Water
Department of Primary Industries
Level 3, 26 Honeysuckle Drive
DANGAR NSW 2309

Appendix 4 Maps of high priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems

High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009

High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Great Lakes Extraction Management Unit of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009

High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Karuah River Extraction Management Unit of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009

High priority groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Manning Extraction Management Unit of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009