Community consultation is underway on a plan to protect and manage the long-term health of the lower Goulburn River.
Minister for Water, Lisa Neville opened community consultation into the rules that manage the trade of water from the Goulburn River to the Murray Valley.
“A recent review identified that the current rules are not protecting the lower Goulburn River and do not provide a fair system for all water users to trade water,” Ms Neville said.
“Expert advice has noted that unseasonably high flows in the lower Goulburn River is causing environmental damage,” she said.
“The community is invited to have their say and help inform changes to the rules to keep flows within environmentally sustainable limits.”
Ms Neville said the rule changes were scheduled to be brought in by late 2020.
“This is about putting in place strong long-term rules, alongside the operating regime introduced last year to reduce flows along the Goulburn River to prevent damage to the environment,” she said.
“Face to face public consultation will begin this month and will run until Wednesday, 22 April.”
She said people could also review the Government’s proposed trade rule options and provide feedback online.
The 16-page consultation paper and the online survey can be accessed at this PS News link.
