Public consultation opens on Gwydir and Barwon–Darling floodplain plans
20 July 2026
The NSW Government is inviting landholders, Aboriginal communities, water users and the wider community to have their say on the future management of floodplains in the Gwydir Valley and Barwon–Darling Valley.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has begun a statutory review of the Floodplain Management Plan for the Gwydir Valley Floodplain 2016 and the Floodplain Management Plan for the Barwon–Darling Floodplain 2017. These plans will expire on 30 June 2027 and the department is commencing work to replace the plans.
The department is seeking public submissions from Monday 20 July to Sunday 9 August 2026, providing an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the floodplains to share their views on how the plans are working and where improvements could be made.
The plans outline rules and assessment criteria for granting or amending approvals for flood works within the plan area. They do not cover floodplain harvesting or licences that allow take of overland flow.
The department is seeking feedback on whether the plans:
- remain adequate and appropriate for implementing the water management principles under the Act
- have any implementation issues since previous reviews
- could be improved through future amendments
People can make a submission online or download a submission form and return it by email to floodplain.planning@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or by post.
Under the Water Management Act 2000, floodplain management plans are reviewed in the five years before they expire to ensure they continue to effectively manage floodplain harvesting, support healthy river systems and meet the needs of communities, landholders and the environment.
Following consultation, the department will consider all submissions before publishing review reports for each floodplain management plan. The findings will help inform the replacement of the plans to ensure the plans continue to deliver effective outcomes for communities, industry and the environment.
For more information and to make a submission, visit the NSW Government Have Your Say website:
NSW DCCEEW, Executive Director Water Planning and Knowledge, Mitchell Isaacs said:
"Floodplain management plans play an important role in balancing the needs of communities, landholders, water users and the environment.
"These reviews provide an opportunity to ensure the plans remain effective and continue to support sustainable floodplain management into the future.
"We encourage everyone with an interest in these floodplains to have their say and help shape the future management of these important landscapes."
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