In 2019–20, water managers will focus their efforts on supporting native fish populations. With the prospect of no water for the environment available to support critical refuge habitat, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will work with WaterNSW to advise on how flows released for human needs can also help support the water quality and small-scale movement of native fish.
As the region is experiencing protracted drought conditions, the focus of water managers will be to direct available resources to avoid unrecoverable losses of ecological assets and functionality, with a specific focus on supporting native fish habitat.
This management plan refines and consolidates the existing licensing framework to target regulation towards species at risk from unsustainable harvesting and ensure best practice management is applied consistently across New South Wales.
This policy has been drafted for organisations in the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector and is suitable for groups structured as a NSW incorporated association and company limited by guarantee, as well as for groups that are registered as a charity.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has revised its policy in relation to the investigation and resolution of matters under the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
Improving habitat for native fish, waterbirds and other aquatic species while restoring a more natural flow regime is a focus for water managers in 2018-19.
This management plan continues the system to facilitate and regulate sustainably harvesting and producing material for the NSW cut-flower industry. The tools and strategies in this plan support the long-term conservation of plant species used in the industry, both in their natural habitat and as part of a viable cultivated native flora industry.
In the Murray and Lower Darling valleys, environmental watering is now focused on maintaining the resilience and basic functions of wetlands (including icon sites and Ramsar-listed wetlands) and waterways.
Supporting high-flow river and floodplain functions and improving the health of wetlands and floodplains is the current focus of environmental watering in the Murrumbidgee valley.
