Management of our water resources requires often difficult decisions and trade-offs between a range of environmental, social and economic needs.

Water Sharing Plans guide water management and sharing amongst water users and the environment in the Macquarie Valley. The objectives of these plans are to:

• Maintain or enhance important ecological functions and environmental assets
• Support a sustainable regional economy
• Protect important social values and benefits provided by the water resource
• Recognise and respect Aboriginal cultural responsibilities and obligations to the landscape

Irrigators in the Macquarie Valley have contributed to and adhere to the rules and management arrangements specified within the Water Sharing Plan for the Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Water Source and the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower Macquarie Groundwater Sources.

As the peak group representing irrigators in the Macquarie Valley, Macquarie River Food and Fibre supports the role of our members in environmental management by:

• Promoting sustainable irrigation in the Macquarie Valley
• Ensuring broader community recognition that irrigation is a key component of Healthy Rivers
• Developing and implementing our group's role in the management, delivery and regulation of bulk water
• Educating and encouraging irrigators and all industry participants to constantly innovate and progress toward more resource efficient methods of production

This site contains examples of some specific initiatives including irrigator involvement in the MMET, Irrigation Modernisation and Watersmart Expo.