The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced temporary water restrictions for unregulated river water access licence holders from parts of Buccaneit and Cunninyeuk creeks within the Murray below Mulwala water source.
Buccaneit and Cunninyeuk creek systems are currently dry and the fringing River Red Gums are drought stressed. The temporary water restriction has been implemented to protect environmental flows.
A small amount of held environmental water will be delivered into the creek system for up to a month via the Murray Irrigation channel system. Top ups will be delivered when required during the summer period.
The temporary water restriction is to protect environmental water delivered in these unregulated creeks from extraction by holders of unregulated river access licences.
The temporary water restriction provides for active management. Should a substantial natural unregulated flow event occur within Buccaneit and Cunninyeuk creeks, approval can be granted to take water by access licence holders.
The temporary restriction does not apply to stock and domestic water or the take of water for testing metering equipment.
The restriction will remain in place until 30 June 2021. However, it can be amended or repealed should conditions change.
