NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has called communities and water users in the Border Rivers region to have their say on the state government's new draft Regional Water Strategy.
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The long term Regional Water Strategy is being developed to guide how the NSW Government can best manage the challenges that are facing the Border Rivers region.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is identifying actions that can address these challenges to support a liveable and prosperous Border Rivers region.
Mr Marshall said the second regional water strategy in the electorate was an opportunity for residents, farmers, businesses and councils to comment on how water infrastructure is designed and managed, in respect to future droughts.
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"The Border Rivers region has a naturally variable climate but could see changing rainfall patterns and higher evaporation in the future," he said.
"The region is an important agricultural and economic contributor to NSW so it's vital we help build drought resilience and improve water security for communities, industry and the environment.
"The regional water strategies are about ensuring water security for decades to come to support our local communities, economy and environment.
"The NSW government, in partnership with the Commonwealth government, has already committed $24 million to undertaking a final business case for a new dam on the Mole River to help improve water security in the region.
"The draft strategy builds on this and includes a long list of options that aim to address the challenges the region may face in the future and help build drought resilience of communities, industry and the environment."
Mr Marshall said the draft strategy for the Border Rivers, like other local strategies, was the culmination of extensive consultation and close partnerships with councils and local water utilities.
"We've just experienced one of the worst droughts on record and we must prepare our regions and make them more drought resilient," he said.
"The strategies will determine how much water each region will need to meet future demand, identify the challenges involved in meeting those needs, and set out the actions we can take to manage risks to water security and reliability.
"Through better strategic planning the government will be able to provide and manage water for towns and communities, support regional economies, safeguard the environment and protect Aboriginal culture and heritage."
The draft Border Rivers Strategy is on public exhibition until November 30 and stakeholders and the wider community have the opportunity to attend face-to-face consultation sessions and provide their feedback.
The consultation sessions will be held at Inverell RSM Club from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, November 10 and at Boggabilla Town and Country Club from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, November 11.
The sessions will be held in conjunction with the Healthy Floodplains Project.
For more information and to register your attendance visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/border-rivers-regional-water-strategy
