Via WaterNSW
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
WaterNSW has advised Mid-Western Regional Council and a key stakeholder group that the bulk water transfer between Windamere and Burrendong Dams scheduled for January next year will take place in ‘two distinct stages.’
WaterNSW met with Council staff and representatives from the Cudgegong Valley Water Security Committee on Friday, November 23, 2018 to advise that the first transfer to Burrendong via the Cudgegong River, would be comprised of 35 gigalitres.
A second phase of the transfer will occur mid-year, leaving a minimum of 70GL in Windamere.
WaterNSW will host a public information session at 4pm on Tuesday, 4 December at The Stables, Mudgee following the Department of Primary Industries session to answer questions and concerns from members of the public.
At Friday's meeting the Cudgegong Valley Water Security Committee and council emphasised the need for adequate communication during the transfer event to ensure impacts on water users, Cudgegong irrigators and landholders and the environment were minimised.
A key component of this strategy is encouraging the public to register for the WaterNSW early warning network (EWN) which can send automated messages on dam releases and river information.
To register to receive information via the EWN contact - 1300 662 077
Inflows to Burrendong Dam since August 2017 total about 38 gigalitres (GL) - only 26% of the previous record low inflow of about 143GL for the 15 months ending in October - confirming that the Macquarie system has entered a new drought-of-record.
Windamere and Burrendong storages provide water security for customers in the Macquarie Valley. Transfers occur from Windamere to Burrendong when the storage levels drop to ensure reliability of supply to all customers.
For WaterNSW drought management information visit: www.waternsw.com.au/supply/drought-information
