Healthy rivers and wetlands are essential for native wildlife, First Nations cultural heritage and local communities. Rivers support a diverse range of industries, from floodplain grazing and food production to tourism and recreational fishing.
9.1 Manage water systems as an integrated whole
Rivers, wetlands, floodplains, groundwater, coastal lagoons and marine systems are connected and do not recognise state borders.
9.2 Ban the use of environmental water for agriculture
Water set aside for the environmental health of rivers in Water Sharing Plans is being used for other purposes, including licensing floodplain harvesting and extraction for agriculture and industry.
9.3 Water take must be environmentally sustainable and metered
Out-of-date rainfall data is used to work out how much water can be extracted from rivers and groundwater aquifers.
9.4 Rule out new dams
The NSW Government must promote more efficient water use instead of expanding dams or building new ones.
9.5 Improve First Nations’ access to water
First Nations people have had their rights to water ignored for too long, despite countless promises by governments.