Landholders and environmentalists across in the lower Macquarie Valley have mounted a "David versus Goliath campaign" to save a highly valued creeks system in response to the NSW Government's Draft Regional Water Strategy, released last week.

The plan prioritises cutting the regulated water flow to the Gunningbar, Duck, and Crooked Creeks – a major system downstream of Warren which supports a large area stretching as far as Brewarrina – and replacing it with pipelines and bores.

Spokesman for the Effluent Creeks Association of the Lower Macquarie, Richard Woodlock “Reedy Corner” Warren described the plan as “very concerning” and said thousands of square kilometres of western NSW would be affected if the Government followed through with this plan.

Mr Woodlock said not only would landholders along the creek system be affected when stock and domestic water supplies were slashed, but the environment would suffer greatly with the decline of trees, floodplain vegetation, native animals and fish.

The draft report outlines the need to ensure that these actions do not impact environmental assets, such as the Ramsar-listed and ecologically significant Macquarie Marshes or the end of the Wambuul/Macquarie River.

Mr Woodlock said the Gunningbar, Duck and Crooked Creek system, which when combined was similar in size to the Macquarie Marshes and were generally considered an extension of that system. 

“Water from these creeks flows all the way into the Barwon Darling system. We are seeing that now with floodwater from the Macquarie reaching as far as Brewarrina and the wetlands there. The system is largely an extension of the Macquarie Marshes, and is only 18km from them at one point."

Mr Woodlock said it was disappointing the Government had not consulted with the Creeks Association before releasing the plan. He said it was unclear whether the decision to halt the flows along the creeks was a permanent measure or a drought-only provision, but said it was a disastrous move nonetheless.

SOURCE: DPIE Macquarie-Castlereagh Draft Regional Water Strategy.

In 2019 the regulated flow downstream of Warren was cut when it became evident communities including Nyngan and Cobar were on the brink of running out of water and were given priority.

The creeks became permanently dry for around 12 months with landholders along them left to deal with stinking boggy animal traps; and environmentalists noting significant fish kills and a decline in colonies of native water rats.

The removal of water from the creeks would also be a major blow to the local tourism industry, especially to the many people who visit the creeks to camp and fish; and if permanent would have a significant impact on land values, dropping them by as much as 30 percent according to a Creeks Association estimate.

“The cost the Government to replace these natural creek beds with pipes and bores will be significant, and thousands and thousands of kilometres of creek boundaries would have to be surveyed and fenced,” Mr Woodlock said.

Frustratingly the Draft Plan was released at time when Creeks Association members were flood bound and unable to gather in person as a group to mount a campaign.

A teleconference on Monday was "attended" by members of the Creeks Association from Warren right through to the Brewarrina Shire, and there was unanimous agreement to tackle the Government over the priority.

Jack and Jim Mclaughlin "Merryanbone" with the Duck Creek.

The NSW Government claims the regional water strategies would “bring together the best and latest climate evidence with a wide range of tools and solutions to manage the water needs of NSW over the next 20 to 40 years.”

“A more variable climate, as well as changing industries and populations, mean we face difficult decisions and choices about how to balance the different demands for this vital resource and manage water efficiently and sustainably into the future.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Census shows population of communities in the lower Macquarie have not increased in 50 years, and had mostly declined, although there has been a significant growth in the mining industry at Cobar and Nyngan which relies on a regular supply of water.

Mr Woodlock said the Creeks Association was planning to make a submission to the NSW Government before the 18 November closing date.

The group was also planning on attending the upcoming public information session in Dubbo on Wednesday 9 November.

It has also set up a "Save our Creeks" Facebook page to garner public support for the cause.