Murray Valley Private Diverters last week brought the draft plan’s release and the consultation period program to the public’s attention.
Member Sally Dye said it suggests landholders would have to meet “extensive new requirements” to get flood works approvals for tracks, roads, channels and other infrastructure on land never previously zoned for requiring an approval.
She criticised the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s offer of about 30 face-to-face online consultation sessions starting this week, suggesting a plan which impacted “thousands” should warrant public meetings instead.
DCCEEW has said, however, the online sessions available now are only a starting point of this new round of consultations.
“We have been actively engaging with stakeholders in the development of the draft NSW Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plan since 2023,” a spokesperson said.
“This includes five local engagement sessions, which included one-on-one meetings with stakeholders as well as group meetings with Lower Murray Private Diverters.
“As part of our ongoing consultation for stage two, we have offered a group meeting to Murray Valley Private Diverters - which was always planned.
“We will hold as many individual online appointments as needed for both NSW Murray Valley and Billabong Creek stage two floodplain management plans.
“We have listed 30 individual appointment slots online already, but will make more available as required.”
Mrs Dye’s call to action last week was in response to little change in the plan since early discussions and last week’s draft being released.
“There are so many flaws in this draft plan that will effectively stop all future development, threaten some existing operations and effectively ‘sterilise the floodplain’,” Mrs Dye said.
The department said as the plan is still in draft, consultation is help so “listen carefully to feedback so it can be considered as part of the decision-making process”.
Based on early feedback, including comments included in last week’s article on the draft plan, the spokesperson said there are some misconceptions already.
“Under the Water Management Act 2000, approval has been required to construct or use a flood works since 2000, unless they are exempt.
“Not all structures on a floodplain will be flood works. Only those that meet the definition of a flood work under the Water Management Act 2000 will require a flood work approval, unless an exemption applies.
“The management zones and rules in the floodplain management plan only apply to flood works.
“New above ground supply channels are only restricted in floodways and sensitive ecological or cultural areas due to the impact on flood flows.
“There is no restriction on the type, size or height of flood works for the remaining 80 per cent of the floodplain, subject to meeting the relevant assessment criteria.”
To read the plan, make a submission or make a consultation appointment, go to https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/floodplain-management/plans/murray-valley-floodplain/.
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