There are changes afoot for the water source under our feet as the NSW Government nears the final stages of updating the Water Sharing Plan for the Great Artesian Basin.

Comments on amendments to the plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2020 are still open until 6 April. 

 The water-sharing plan establishes rules for bore water use in the GAB, including distance restrictions between bores. 

The latest version was released after officials took on board earlier feedback from consultation in 2023.

Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources. Photo: NSW Government.

"During this time and afterward, we heard from stakeholders both supporting and opposing these proposed amendments," a NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) spokesperson said. 

"Some people wanted more information and others suggested additional changes.

"The feedback we receive during this latest round of consultation will be considered carefully before any final decisions are made."

The plan has been re-opened for comment since 17 March. 

"To ensure the community was informed, we sent a direct email update to over 1500 stakeholders to let them know they had 3 weeks to have their say, alongside a social media post and a story in our newsletter, Water News, which reaches thousands of readers across regional NSW including Great Artesian Basin communities," the NSW DCCEEW spokesperson said. 

The amendments to the water sharing plan included the removal of distance restrictions from property boundaries and other bores in the Eastern and Southern Recharge groundwater sources. 

These restrictions are in place to ensure that one bore does not affect water levels or pressure from a neighbour's bore. 

Another amendment included that ministerial discretion can approve an application for a basic landholder right (BLR) bore within a restricted distance in the Central, Warrego, and Surat Groundwater Sources, as long as there is only a minimal effect on other bores.

A BLR bore can only be used for domestic and stock watering purposes.

Previous concerns about the water-sharing plan included the possible effect on a neighbour's bore, the sustainability of the changes, and minimal explanation from the Department. 

One commentator said, "The assessment criteria does not take into account variabilities in extraction, particularly in time of drought."

While another stated, "I cannot see there would be a huge demand for this change. "

Some stakeholders also spoke out in favour.

"Subdivided small blocks (less than 5 acres) out of town water limits are unable to obtain a bore for basic residential needs." 

Stakeholders can access the questionnaire here.