The NSW Government has been urged to show its commitment to regional NSW by backing a feasibility study into a community-supported water-saving project.
Narrandera resident David Farley, who has spent time abroad developing water management strategies that support both the environment and agriculture, is calling on NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson to back a $1 million feasibility study for the Lake Coolah project.
Mr Farley, an internationally experienced agricultural leader and management executive, said he was frustrated with governments ignoring commonsense solutions to the multitude of problems caused by the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
“This project has the potential to enable the storage of 450GL of water and could significantly ease pressure on implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan,” Mr Farley said.
It involves increasing the depth and, therefore, storage volume of Lake Coolah, reducing evaporation losses and yielding significant water savings. It would enable faster and more flexible deployment of water from the Murrumbidgee River for environmental and agricultural flows, assisting the delivery of the Basin Plan and shots reducing operating pressures on the system.
“Communities across the southern basin are hurting from poor decision-making processes in water management. This project has the ability to help ensure our communities can thrive while at the same time ensuring environmental outcomes are met,” he said.
Lake Coolah is situated just outside Narrandera and locals believe the water-saving project could have significant benefits. It is being promoted by Narrandera Council, which has been constantly hitting bureaucratic brick walls.
Mr Farley said the project also had the backing of the Murray Darling Basin Shires Association Region 9, Riverina and Murray Joint Organisations of Council (RAMJO) and other individual LGAs.
For it to be submitted through the expression of interest process for a National Water Grid Fund Application, a $1 million feasibility study needs to be completed, which is now in the hands of Water Minister Jackson.
“Red tape and bureaucracy are making a mockery of our Westminster system of government and muting the voices of NSW regional Australians. Minister Jackson cannot ignore the support from grassroots third-level government. If NSW Labor declines this request to fund a feasibility study, it will demonstrate a lack of care and understanding of what regional NSW contributes to the state,” Mr Farley said.
This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 13 February 2025.
