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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 8 April 2008 LAST CHANCE FOR TIDAL POOLS WATER USERS TO REGISTER The Department of Water and Energy today urged water users on the tidal pools of the Hunter and Paterson rivers to register for a licence application before it was too late. Senior Environmental Officer, David Hoey, said it was critical for water users in the tidal pools who have not yet contacted the Department of Water and Energy to do so urgently to ensure no-one with a legitimate right to a share of this water misses out. “The Department has been calling for landholders to lodge an application over the past 10 months, but time is now running out as applications received after 30 June 2008 run the risk of not having a share of the water,” Mr Hoey said. Mr Hoey stated the fact that licences were not previously required in the tidal pools had added to the task of ensuring all water users were contacted and their needs considered. Under the Hunter unregulated and alluvial groundwater water sharing plan, which is currently on public exhibition, water users in the tidal pools will be required to obtain a licence for their activities. “Interviews and on-site assessments with over 130 water users who have registered with the Department for a water licence are just about complete.” “While there have been several dozen water users register over the last couple of months, we are keen to make sure every water user in the tidal pools is involved in the development of issuing water entitlements.” The tidal pools are defined as the areas commencing 2.1 km upstream of the Oakhampton Bridge on the Hunter River, and from 980 m downstream of Gostwyck Bridge on the Paterson River to the junction with the Hunter. The pools also include Wallis Creek from 4.2 km upstream of the Dagworth Road bridge to the junction with the Hunter River. The downstream boundary on the Hunter River is defined by the mangrove limit, approximately 250 metres below the Irrawang Bridge. “Irrigated agriculture in the tidal pools contributes significantly to the local economy - that is why it is so important that water users register to ensure their needs are considered,” said Mr Hoey. Water users in the tidal pool areas can provide their contact details by writing to: Tidal Pools Licensing PO Box 2213 Dangar NSW 2309 or fax (02) 4904 2503. Further information is available by telephoning 4904 2534 or 4904 2692.
© NSW Department of Natural Resources
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