The Draft Murray Floodplain Management Plan was released for public consultation last week, with submissions closing on November 16.
Murray Valley Private Diverters executive member Sally Dye said changes to flood mapping in the document means landholders will have to meet “extensive new requirements” to get flood works approvals for tracks, roads, channels and other infrastructure on land never previously zoned for requiring an approval.
Despite affecting “thousands” of landholders, including financially, Mrs Dye said the offer of public consultation does not extend far enough.
Individual 40-minute appointments with NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water staff are being offered, but Mrs Dye believes only 30 will be made available.
There has been no offer of group or open public meetings at this stage.
Concerns with the direction of the plan were communicated with the department at meetings last year and earlier this year, during the development of the plan.
Mrs Dye said in many cases, the concerns raised have prompted no changes.
“MVPD have been working hard to try and get some common sense into this plan, however seeing that new water supply channels will have to be ‘below the surface of the ground’ demonstrates the complete lack of understanding of the realities on the ground by those bureaucrats writing this plan, and their inflexibility,” Mrs Dye said.
“We know many of you attended meetings last year and possibly earlier this year. You now need to check if they made all the changes you pointed out. They haven’t for us.
“This is your last opportunity to correct the mapping on your property.
“This will affect all landholders, not just those with river frontage, so it is extremely important because once this plan is gazetted the rules will apply.”
Mrs Dye said while it is a complex document and new set of rules, she said it is vital to “take the time to get your heads around the mapping and its implications on your property”.
“There are thousands of landholdings that are potentially affected, not just those with river frontage.
“Basically, all land within the floodplain map - even its sandhills and areas that have never flooded, will be zoned and require a flood works approval.
“There are so many flaws in this draft plan that will effectively stop all future development, threaten some existing operations and effectively ‘sterilise the floodplain’.”
Mrs Dye said given the far reaching consequences for landholders, MVPD will continue to lobby for increased consultation.
“We will continue to request a public meeting, however we don’t believe they will face us.
“The ministers will be hearing from us.
“But the department needs to hear from you too! So please, book an appointment and also do a submission online via the website above.
“MVPD are currently consolidating our response and welcome any comments you would like included regarding the rules.”
If approved, the floodplain management plan will be in effect from July 1 next year.
It will replace individual floodplain management plans currently used for the Tuppal and Bullatale Creeks, and the Edward, Niemur and Wakool Rivers.
The document outlines the ‘vision’ of the plan as: to contribute to a sustainable, healthy and working floodplain; to manage the development of new flood works and amendments to existing flood works; to protect the passage of floodwater through the floodplain; and to recognise the need to minimise the risk to life and property from the effects of flooding.
Online consultation appointments will be available between 9am and 11am and 1pm and 3pm on October 13, 15, 21, 24 and 27.
For more information, to book an appointment or read the plan in full, go to https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/floodplain-management/plans/murray-valley-floodplain/.
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