The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment amended the temporary water restriction for the Macquarie regulated river allowing access to 40% of general security carryover.
As a result of significant inflows since February (2020), there is now enough available water to repeal suspended water sharing plan rules, provide full allocation to all high priority products; including town water, domestic, stock and high security entitlements and ease the temporary water restriction on general security water users.
The temporary water restriction has been amended to allow general security water users to access up to 40% of water held in accounts, with 60% to remain frozen.
The amendment will continue to allow the trade of frozen general security carryover, but still prohibits buyers of the frozen general security carryover water from taking or using it.
The total inflow into Burrendong Dam since February (2020) has been in excess of 231,000 megalitres, with the dam now at approximately 23% capacity.
The Macquarie River drought criticality has been eased from Stage 4 (Critical) to Stage 3 (Severe). All critical human and environmental needs are secured.
The restriction will remain in place until 30 September 2020. However, it can be repealed or amended should conditions improve sufficiently.
For more information visit https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions
Source: NSW Government