Mayor acts on water concerns

Translucent flows were introduced in 2004 as part of a State Government led water sharing plan for the Murrumbidgee Valley and were essentially instituted to ensure the health of the river by emulating a natural flush that would mimic what would have happened after major rain events.   

Since then the Federal Water Act 2007 and Murray-Darling Basin Plan have been introduced to ensure a sustainable Murray Darling system.   

On Friday at a Country Mayor's Association meeting in Sydney, councillor Maytom moved a resolution, that was unanimously endorsed, that a letter be written to Minister Niall Blair requesting confirmation that the translucent flows are still needed for the health of the Murrumbidgee River.

"There are so many players in this field - it's a minefield,” Cr Maytom said.

“NSW Water implements the rules, DPI Water polices the rules. 

“OEH is tasked with ensuring the river stays healthy, but nobody really knows if the rules are still relevant now that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is in place. 

“I'm all for the right thing for the environment, but I cannot accept that water is being released if there is no compelling reason as to why."

Cr Maytom said he empathised with farmers that have faced lower water allocations in recent years - due to reduced rainfall in the catchment - and now seeing water being released before the dam reaches half its capacity.

"The health of our communities and economy is as important as the environment and we need to make sure that decisions around water are sensible,” he said.

“The rain has given everyone hope for a good season ahead and it is traumatic seeing water being released without any good explanation as to why. 

“We all need confidence that translucent flow decisions are the right decisions.  If they aren't necessary anymore this policy of following rules from 2004 needs to change immediately.”