An example from NSW Rivers:-
The normal flow regime for most of NSW was highly variable, with seasonality where the climate dictated it. So southern rivers have a predominantly winter and spring flow pattern while western and northern rivers flow during the summer with monsoonal influences. Drought and flood events were relatively frequent.
Many of our rivers are now severely degraded. There is increasing scientific evidence of river red gums dying, fish populations declining and waterbird not breeding because we have built dams and diverted considerable amounts of flow from our rivers. Elders along many rivers reminisce about the clarity of the water, being able to see fish in the deep holes in the river (10 m), and seeing their feet when swimming in the river. Some rivers used to meander and regularly change their course.
The damming and control of NSW rivers has destroyed the natural flow so that the more usual flow regime for the majority of the regulated rivers is a less variable flow with a spring and summer maximum flow. Flood events have significantly diminished in frequency and large floods have also been affected.
What can be achieved?
The Brechin wetland, Swan Hill, received 150 megalitres of environmental water from October-December 2009, delivered by DECCW in partnership with landholder Andrew Field Water.
The water acted as a lifeline to the fringing River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and has seen an overall increase in the abundance of understory wetland plants. A diverse range of wetland plants including Swamp Lilies (Ottelia ovalifolia), Milfoil and Water Ribbons were observed during the 2009-10 monitoring. This project was successful in maintaining and improving the health and ecology of the wetland.
Brechin wetland before. Emma Wilson. Photo courtesy Riverbank, DECCW NSW
Brechin wetland after environmental water. Emma Wilson. Photo courtesy Riverbank, DECCW NSW
How secure is investment in Water:- a NSW example.
Water access licences under the Water Management Act 2000 differ from previous licences under the old Water Act 1912. They:
- Provide a clearly-defined right to access water, separate from land ownership
- Are issued with a certificate of title
- Can be independently traded, mortgaged and leased
- Entitle the holder to extract a share of the available water
- Are listed on the Water Access Licence Register administered by the Department of Lands, which provides an up-to-date record of all licences and any transactions against these licences.
Duration:-Water access licences are granted in perpetuity and do not need to be renewed (under the old Water Act they had a 5-year term). The licence has effect until it is cancelled in the register (s 69).
Right to compensation:-Section 87 of the Water Management Act 2000 provides for limited compensation for reuctions in water access licence entitlements through changes to the plan, except in certain circumstances wuch as changes made after the plan has lapsed, or in response to a ruling from the Land and Environment Court. The right to compensation is strictly limited to the term of the first Water sharing Plan, not including any extensions to the operation of the Plans.
