Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers

The Water Sharing Plan for the Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Water Source guides water management and sharing amongst river users and the environment. The Plan also provides for replenishment flows for a number of unregulated water sources in the lower Macquarie and lower Bogan systems. The 10 year plan took effect on 1 July 2004.

The long-term annual flow in the regulated system is estimated at 1,448,000 ML.  The Water Sharing Plan limits average annual extractions to 391,900 ML (27%) to ensure that the majority (73%) of the long-term average annual flow is maintained for the health of the river's ecosystem. 

Water that is extracted from the system, other than for basic landholder rights, must be authorised by an access licence. Water Access Licences are expressed either as a share component or as a volume.

Lower Macquarie Groundwater Sources

The Water Sharing Plan for the Lower Macquarie Groundwater Sources guides water management and sharing rules amongst the users of the six aquifers that comprise the groundwater source. The plan took effect on 1 October 2006 and will cease on 30 June 2017.

The long-term annual extraction limit is based on the average level of recharge to each aquifer less an amount reserved for the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage.  The Water Sharing Plan specifies the share components and requirements for water that can be extracted under access licences.

For more information on water sharing in NSW visit the NSW Office of Water website:

http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-Management/Water-sharing/default.aspx