A NSW Upper House committee will examine the rationale behind a number of new dams and other water infrastructure projects recently identified for fast tracking by the NSW Government.
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The Inquiry, agreed to this week by the NSW Legislative Council's Planning and Environment Committee, chaired by Ms Cate Faehrmann MLC, will examine the rationale for, and impacts of, new dams including the Wyangala, Mole River and Dungowan Dam projects, the Macquarie River re-regulating storage project and the Western Weirs project.
The committee will seek information on the need for the projects, including reviewing the historical allocation of water and consideration of other options for ensuring water security in inland regions.
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"The public deserves to know why the government has chosen to fast track these projects that will capture a combined 770 gigalitres from the Murray-Darling basin, significantly impacting downstream communities as well as fish populations and wetlands," committee chair Ms Faehrmann said.
"Inland rivers are the lifeblood of both the communities that live along them but also the surrounding environment. The committee will carefully examine the environmental, cultural, social and economic impacts of the projects, including their impact on any national water agreements and international environmental obligations.
"There are growing concerns that these projects won't deliver enough water to where it's needed the most to justify the costs or the impacts on rivers, wetlands and downstream communities. This inquiry will have the powers to ensure everything is on the table, including business case assumptions and contracts behind all projects.
"Committee members are looking forward to hearing from a diverse range of stakeholders from across NSW during this important inquiry. It really is an understatement to say that the way in which our water is managed affects everyone. That's why I encourage everyone to make a submission and have your voice heard."
The committee will hand down its report in the first half of 2021.
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