Water Northern Rivers has welcomed the release of the final Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy by the Department of Environment and Planning.

Spokesperson, Jim Richardson, said the final Strategy clearly reflected the extensive and in-depth consultations that had been undertaken since October 2020.

He noted that Key priorities in the strategy include 

• Taking a holistic approach to land and water management

• Improving our understanding of the region’s water resources

• Ensuring water resource development and use is sustainable and equitable

• Preparing for future climatic extremes

“This Strategy’s development has taken quite a while, and has required two rounds of consultation due to its complexity."

"Much of the work was carried out under the previous state government, and the final delivery has occurred under the current one, yet there is a consistency of themes and focus that demonstrates the Department has been evidence-driven, and also listening to the community."

"After a long wait, our region’s communities now have a clear view of the plan to deliver water security, revive our waterways, and address some of the challenges of climate change,” Mr Richardson said.

He stated that Water Northern Rivers particularly welcomed the significant role for First Nation peoples in this strategy and the recognition of their water rights.

Mr Richardson urged community members to become familiar with the strategy over the coming months and to ensure their local councillors were, too.

The full Strategy and supporting documents can be viewed at: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plans-and-programs/regional-water-strategies/final/far-north-coast-regional-water-strategy.