“The announcement has caused deep distress to individuals and communities relying on first flush flows to recharge the system and restore connectivity,” MDA chief executive officer Emma Bradbury said.
“We have taken calls from mayors, councils and community members following this decision.”
Councils from the far west region of NSW contacted MDA to establish a united position in expressing concern about a lack of transparency in process and communication regarding pumping restriction orders and recent exemptions, and the impact this decision has on community confidence.
MDA member councils from Bourke to Wentworth urged the minister to uphold her previous commitment to the protection of first flush events from the northern basin, giving recent inflows the best chance to travel as far downstream as possible.
“The Darling River from Bourke to Wentworth has been disconnected for three years now,” MDA region chair Jane MacAllister, from Wentworth, said.
“It remains an identified ecosystem in crisis visiting acute hardship on the towns, communities and people along the system.
“The minister needs to be clear about what restrictions are in place, who is exempt, and for what reasons.”
The letter to the minister implores the government to complete and adopt the required water resource plans essential to the protection of flows and consistency of process; and affirms local government’s commitment to work constructively with the NSW Government and all basin governments to achieve the common objectives of a healthy working basin supporting vibrant, connected communities and economies.
