GWYDIR VALLEY IRRIGATORS ASSOCIATION

News

The recently released MDBA discussion paper identified in the initial assessment of Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDL) that there are risks for us.
The Gwydir surface SDL may not support Basin Plan environmental outcomes. This is primarily related to floodplain inundation and waterbird breeding in the ramsar sites. It is tightly linked to the Northern Toolkit Gwydir constraints project. The MDBA is supporting the completion of the reconnecting water course country program. The GVIA will support community supported constraints' management as an overriding principle. 
The Lower Gwydir Alluvial SDL was also identified as being at risk. This is primarily as the recharge has not occurred as would be ideal. Importantly we must accept that as it is a large aquifer with high buffering it takes a long time for changes in recharge to affect overall levels, i.e. the aquifer has low sensitivity to use or changes in recharge. Trade restrictions implemented from 2020 to 2023 are showing positive outcomes. We will be supporting the existing trade restrictions put in place by DCCEEW for an extended time, 15 years, to enable time for changes to be observed. As such the GVIA will be working towards no changes to SDL until 2035. 

Basin Plan Discussion Paper

In early February the MDBA released the Basin Plan Discussion Paper. This is the four document which inform the review and the development of the next Basin Plan. The document suggests that we need more of a management plan now. There are however still some concerns. The assumptions informing the discussion paper are that SDLAM project will be completed and the whole 450GL for the southern connected system will be recovered. Of most concern is that 100GL of this will be from the north. The document also talks about creating connectivity in the north and the use of rule changes. Neither of which are acceptable to our members. We have consistently stated that 

  • We support the MDBA position that 320GL water recovery in the Northern Basin is sufficient to satisfy the Environmentally Sustainable Level of Take (ESLT) requirements of the Water Act.
  • We do Not believe water for the 450GL should be recovered from the northern Basin.
  • If the Government wishes to recover water towards the 450GL or connectivity, they must purchase it on the open market.


If you would like some high level information the MDBA hosted a webinar. 

The department released the latest Gwydir regulated Water allocation update on the 6th February. There has been no allocation to general security (GS) licences.
The GS account balance is about 479 gigalitres (GL), or an average 94% of entitlement. Of this 144GL is HEW. 
The environmental water allowance (EWA) balance is about 73 GL, or an average of 162% of entitlement.
During January, total essential supply demand was about 3.8 GL, and GS usage was approximately 109.2 GL. Average GS account balance is 94%
Around 7.8 GL of EWA delivered during this period, resulting in an average account balance of 16@% as of 31st January.
All the forecast quantiles sit well below the historical flows, indicating that inflows from January to March 2026 will likely be lower than historical levels.

The GVIA currently has three ground water parcels available for temporary trade. Please email Lou at gvia@gvia.org.au if you have any questions. 

Current Tenders 2025-2026:

    • 1 x 38 ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.
    • 1 X 53ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.
    • 1 X 31ML (megalitres) of Lower Gwydir Groundwater allocation for sale. You can bid in price/megalitre by emailing gvia@gvia.org.au before 5pm Friday 27th March 2026.

    Some members with FPH licences will not be using all storages in their works approvals to take water when the opportunity occurs. If this is the case you will need to make these storages inactive, now referred to as "classified as not taking licensed water". These storages  can be made active into the future if your situation changes. Please read the guide, and or watch the video. 
    Please follow the link included. Scroll down to the section Amend the works as not taking FPH water

    Amend - To ensure your approval is correct, it's your responsibility to confirm that your approval matches the works listed.
    Select Works that are classified as not taking licensed water
    To classify your work as not taking licensed water (water supply work or floodplain harvesting), please login or register in the Customer Portal and complete the ‘Amend the status of your work’ form.

    Please note: There may already be a pre-populated status for your work in the Customer Portal based on our records. If there isn’t a status pre-populated or the status selected is incorrect, please select the correct classification to describe your work.

    Further information:

    Mallowa: Target in the east have been inundated, some western areas yet to be inundated. Deliveries expected to finish mid-April 2026.
    Lower Gwydir:     The 3 month delivery of E-water to Lower Gwydir ceased on 26 December 2025. A total of 7,550ML entered the watercourse at Millewa, including 3,200ML of managed E-water. 
    Gingham: Deliveries commenced early December 2025. Target flow rate is 100 ML/d connect through to Boyanga Waterhole. Delivery target may continue past February.
    Whittakers Lagoon: Orders have been placed to fill Whittakers Lagoon to fill the lagoon before the end of January 2026.
    Mehi River flows: Delivery for fish to the lower Mehi commenced 13 December 2025. This flow will continue through Summer and into Autumn.
    Barwon River: In addition to the Mehi River flow releases from the Border Rivers and Gwydir valleys commenced over Christmas New Year. This event was designed to support base flows in the Barwon River between Mungindi and Walgett. Releases from Glenlyon and Copeton Dams are expected to cease early February 2026.

    National environment listing in MDB, just words not action

    15 January 2026, Canberra, ACT: Today’s announcement to list parts of the Murray Darling Basin floodplains as “critically endangered” under the updated Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) adds another layer of complexity to already heavy regulation in the Basin – and will achieve little without real investment in addressing delivery constraints and major threats like carp.

    The GVIA are currently looking for a Project and Policy Support Officer. 
    The project officer role would entail working on behalf of and in partnership with the GVIA Members to deliver requirements as detailed in projects.
    The policy support role will entail supporting the EO in the review and analysis of regulatory policy and provide support to Members in the interpretation and application of policy.
    The role would also support the EO in communication of water related issues to the wider community. 
    More detail are available in the attached position description.
    To apply or arrange to discuss the position please email the EO on gvia@gvia.org.au

    The Gwydir AWD released on the 12th Jan 2026 indicated that there was an estimated 6 GL of inflows into Copeton Dam and 2 GL from the downstream tributaries during Dec 2025, and therefore no allocation increment to General Security (GS) or ECA licences. 
    The average GS account balance is 115%, while the ECA account balance is 180%.
    During December, total essential supply demand was about 4.9 GL, and GS usage was approximately 29.9 GL. Around 6.9 GL of EWA delivered during this period.
    More information is available on the department website

    In partnership with the NSW Government, TAFE NSW has launched a free, 3-hour online course designed to fast-track qualified tradespeople into becoming duly qualified persons (DQPs). DQP's can: 

    • install and validate non-urban water meters 
    • ensure installations meet compliance and safety standards 
    • offer ongoing servicing and maintenance
    • support sustainable, responsible water management. 


    The following trades can apply: irrigation technician, plumber, instrumentation specialist, hydrographer, engineer, fitter-welder, closed conduit meter manufacturer, electrician, local intelligence device manufacturer, or telecommunications technician. 

    Environmental Deliveries in Gwydir

    Mallowa: commenced 5 Dec 2025 and are planned to continue through to April 2026. 
    Lower Gwydir:  commenced 3 Oct 2025 finishing shortly after 3 months of watering.  
    Gingham: commenced 1 Dec 2025 at of 50 ML/d increasing to 100 ML/d (maximum through raft) through to Boyanga Waterhole. Flows likely to cease Feb 2026. 
    Whittakers Lagoon: Is expected to fill early in the new year. 
    Mehi River: Lower Mehi fish deliveries commenced 13 Dec 2025 connecting with the Barwon River to create local fish movement between the rivers. 
    Barwon River:  CEWH and NSW CPHR are planning releases from the Border Rivers and Gwydir to support base flows in the Barwon between Mungindi and Walgett commencing in Dec, likely continuing for 3-4 weeks. Flows from the Gwydir will be via both the Mehi and the Carole – details are still being determined in conjunction with WNSW river operators.

     

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

    On behalf of the Committee of the GVIA I would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you to you all for your support of the GVIA. 
    I look forward to working with you in 2026. 
    Cheers 
    Lou

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