Local community individuals and groups should seize the opportunity to have their say on the Draft Regional Water Strategy for the Far North Coast region, according to NSW Nationals MPs Chris Gulaptis, Geoff Provest and Ben Franklin.

The regional politicians invite people to take part in a webinar today, or one of the face to face sessions later this month.

Member of the NSW Legislative Council representing our region, Ben Franklin said the regional water strategy is an important chance for residents, farmers, businesses and councils to have their say on how water infrastructure is designed and managed in the future.

"The Far North Coast is one of the most biodiverse areas in Australia and new climate modelling suggests droughts may be more severe in the future,” Mr Franklin said.

“Over a third of water extraction in the Far North Coast region is used for town water supplies so we need to make decisions now about how, where and when to direct new investment to give the region adequate water security into the future.

"The NSW Government has committed over $4 million in the past three years to co-fund eligible water and sewerage projects across the Far North Coast region to deliver improvements to public health and water security.

“The draft strategy for the Far North Coast region is the culmination of extensive consultation and close partnerships with councils and local water utilities."

He also noted that we had just experienced one of the worst droughts on record and we must prepare our regions and make them more drought resilient.

The draft Far North Coast Strategy will be on display until December 13 and stakeholders and the wider community will have the opportunity to attend a webinar or face to face consultation sessions and provide their feedback.

Webinar dates:

The webinar will take place at 2pm – 4pm on Monday 9 November.

The face to face consultation sessions will take place at 9:30am – 12pm on Thursday 12 November 2020 in Lismore.

Local aboriginal engagement sessions will take place at 1:30pm – 4pm Thursday 12 November in Lismore.