Water for the environment
Nesting straw-necked Ibis in the Lower Gingham wetlands. Photo: Joshua Smith.
Latest news
The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has released the 2012-13 annual environmental watering plans for the five valleys where it actively manages environmental water.
Find out how governments and the community are working together to deliver water to our environment. View stories, photos and videos on environmental watering events.
Water for the Environment News and Environmental water use in NSW: Annual Report 2011-12 provide information on environmental water actions and events across NSW.
Why do we need water for the environment?
The NSW Government recognises that water is essential to the environment, the economy and the social structures which rely on these, and is committed to the equitable and productive use of water resources. NSW environmental water management is improving environmental outcomes for rivers and wetlands while contributing to regional, social and economic objectives.
Managing environmental water
The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) manages both environmental water allowances (provided for under water sharing plans) and NSW Environmental Water Holdings. OEH also delivers environmental water held by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and non-government organisations. OEH activity is focused in the following valleys where there are significant wetlands and substantial holdings of environmental water:
Planning framework for environmental water
A range of plans have been developed to support the management of environmental water.
Environmental water advisory groups
Environmental water advisory groups play an important role in providing the NSW Government with advice on environmental water management activities and provide a unique forum for drawing on expert knowledge, including local knowledge and experience.
Water recovery programs
The NSW Government has invested in programs to improve the health of wetlands through
RiverBank,
Rivers Environmental Restoration Program,
Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery Program,
NSW Wetland Recovery Program and
The Living Murray Initiative.
The Environmental Works and Measures Feasibility Program is investigating environmental works and measures that will improve environmental water delivery.
NSW Environmental Water Holdings
The NSW Government holds water licences to use for environmental benefit. These holdings and the program through which they were recovered are reported here.
Page last updated: 23 January 2013
