Improving system connectivity across the Northern Basin
Water catchments are connected, and the Barwon-Darling River receives most of its inflows from upstream catchments. This means water in any region is influenced by the climate, water management and extraction in those catchments. An adequate level of connectivity, or water flowing between river valleys is critical to sharing water fairly and supporting the environmental health across NSW.
The flows in the Barwon-Darling sustain the communities, environments and industries along the length of the river from Mungindi in the north to Wentworth in the south and into the Murray River.
What we have delivered in 2023-2024
In August 2023, the Minister for Water convened the Independent Connectivity Expert Panel to review the analyses the department has undertaken and to provide an independent assessment of its adequacy. The Independent Connectivity Expert Panel released its interim report in April 2024.
Contribution to water strategies
Improving system connectivity contributes to the following strategy outcomes:
- NSW Water Strategy
- Work with communities to better understand and improve system connectivity
- Regional water strategies
- Investigate ways to improve connectivity with the Barwon-Darling River on a multi-valley scale
- Publish critical dry condition triggers and seek to implement them in water sharing plans
- Finalise the review of the North-West Flow Plan to identify the best way to support algal suppression and fish migration
- Further investigate ways to provide replenishment flows from the northern tributaries during dry periods
- Progress investigations into changing the management of Menindee Lakes