Water restrictions loophole has some big players still pumping, expert warns
Water restrictions in New South Wales, triggered by low levels in the Menindee Lakes, are being bypassed by some large irrigators due to a loophole in flood-plain harvesting licences. Experts argue the exemption for off-river pools undermines the restrictions' effectiveness, while industry representatives claim the policy is working. A recent compliance report has criticized overall water management in NSW as ineffective and poorly governed.
- ▪The Menindee Lakes water level dropped to 250 gigalitres, triggering temporary water restrictions in parts of NSW.
- ▪A loophole in the restrictions allows major irrigators with certain flood-plain harvesting licences to continue drawing water from off-river pools connected to the Barwon-Darling.
- ▪A report by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance found the Northern Basin Toolkit failed to return environmental water and highlighted poor governance in NSW water management.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Restrictions after drop in Menindee Lakes water level are ineffective, expert warnsBy Micaela Hambrett and Michael CondonABC Central WestTopic:Water Resources12m ago12 minutes agoFri 1 May 2026 at 8:10pmMenindee Lakes hit its restriction trigger level of 250 gigalitres earlier this month. (ABC News: Bill Ormonde)In short:Water restrictions are in place in parts of New South Wales, after stores in Menindee Lakes dropped to 250 gigalitres.A water policy expert says a technicality in the restrictions means several big irrigators in the Barwon-Darling can still pump river water.What's next?A report by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance this month has called for an overhaul of water management policy in NSW.abc.net.au/news/murray-darling-water-restriction-loophole/106616196Link…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).