People have until 31st November to complete the first survey on domestic and stock rights launched by the Department of Planning and Environment.
The Department of Planning and Environment has launched its first survey on domestic and stock rights to get a clearer snapshot of how water extracted under those rights was being used, and whether any changes were needed to improve the way it’s regulated and managed.
Executive Director of Strategy and Policy, Kaia Hodge said the more they knew about how water was being taken and used under domestic and stock rights, the better they could manage it.
She has encouraged all water users to complete the survey. “Understanding how people use their basic water rights for domestic and stock purposes helps us to effectively manage water across NSW,” Ms Hodge said.
“This can have flow-on benefits such as boosting drought resilience and creating healthier river systems.
“We want to hear about how landholders are using their domestic and stock rights and if they, or other people have any concerns around the current approach to regulation and management.”
Parallel with the survey, the Department has offered to hold meetings with stakeholder groups and organisations to hear directly about their experiences.
Ms Hodge said the review provided a great opportunity to check in with landholders and ensure they understand strictly for what purposes they could use water taken under domestic stock rights.
“We are using the current engagement with domestic and stock water users to remind them of the requirements under the Water Management Act 2000,” Ms Hodge said.
“When water users understand their rights, they can be confident they are taking water within the rules. That’s a win for everyone who relies on water from rivers and aquifers.”
People have until November 21 to complete the survey.To complete the survey, and to learn more about domestic and stock rights, head to https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-trade/basic-landholder-rights/domestic-and-stock-rights.