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Final regional water strategies

Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy

A 20-year Far North Coast region-specific strategy to improve the security and certainty of our water resources.

Scenic country views of the Mann River near Cangai.

The Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy and how it will be delivered is set out in the following strategy and implementation plan documents:

About the Strategy

Secure, reliable and resilient water sources are critical to regional communities in NSW. The best and latest climate evidence, along with a wide range of tools and solutions, has been used to chart a progressive journey for our water needs for the next 20 years and beyond.

We have prioritised 25 actions that can help to improve the Far North Coast’s readiness to adapt to a more variable climate.

Far North Coast summary of actions.   1. All water users benefit: Provision of better information about water access, availability and climate risks; Improving  monitoring of water extraction.  2. Aboriginal peopl: Greater participation in water management; Local initiatives to deliver cultural outcomes; Increased business opportunities.  3. Healthy catchments: Whole-of-catchment governance; river rehabilitation program; Improve fish passage; Implement fish friendly screens on pumps  4. Groundwater: Impacts of climate change, sea level rise and land use on coastal groundwater sources  5. Industry sustainability: Increase on-farm water storage; Adoption of best practice land management; Enhance coastal water markets; Develop a recycled water plan for the Far North Coast region  6. Sea level rise: Impact of sea level rise on surface water supplies  7. Water security for towns: Support local councils to provide secure and affordable water supply systems; Support adaptive development of the regional water supply system  8. Water for the environment: Sustainable extraction limits for surface water and groundwater sources; Reduce the take of low flows; Address impacts of increased harvestable rights limits; Identify environmental water needs Protect ecosystems that depend on groundwater
Summary of strategy actions.

How the strategy was developed

To develop this strategy, the NSW Government undertook significant research, analysis and consultation with industry, communities, and water managers. The department sought input for the development of the strategy through 2 public exhibition periods, as well as a range of targeted engagements, and an independent review by the CSIRO.

Document library and past engagement:

Monitoring and reporting

The strategy is designed to respond to changing circumstances. We will undertake a formal review of the strategy at least every 5 years or in response to significant changing conditions and government priorities.

Each year, we will report on our progress in implementing the strategy actions. This will provide transparency to the community, and allow us to show what we have achieved and what we will deliver in the future.

Regional water strategies process
Regional water strategies process.