The draft plan acknowledges the diverse range of human values and uses connected to local rivers and wetlands.
It also recognises the important ecological values of the region and identifies the strategies for water use that will allow this system to survive and thrive into the future.
Strategic use of water is the key to achieving outcomes for:
- native fish
- waterbirds
- plants.
The draft plan also identifies strategies to support important river system processes that:
- connect rivers and wetlands
- support the aquatic food web
- allow water-dependent animals (like fish) to move throughout the river system.
The health of the river system is directly related to the ongoing viability of the region.
This plan sets out a series of 5, 10 and 20-year objectives to maintain and enhance the health of local rivers and wetlands. A summary of the Gwydir Long-Term Water Plan is available – The Gwydir catchment and Long-Term Water Plan explained (PDF 2.6MB).
Long-term water plans focus on achieving environmental outcomes using a share of water set aside in rivers and dams, along with water set aside for other flows, to support system health. At the same time, Department of Planning and Environment – Water has developed water resource plans that address water sharing arrangements for water users within the catchment.