In brief
NEW ENGLAND farmers have the opportunity to buy environmental water from the Gwydir River.
Up to 10 gigalitres of water allocation are available for sale this week.
New England MP and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce said the sale would be via an open tender process that started at 10am on yesterday. Tenders must be submitted by 3pm tomorrow.
Mr Joyce said he supported his colleague, Parliamentary Secretary for Water Senator Simon Birmingham, in measures to deal with the current drought through the temporary trade of environmental water.
“In times where the economic future of so many irrigators is on the line it seems entirely appropriate to utilise water that is held in the dams on the environmental account but which is not currently used for environmental purposes,” he said.
Guyra drying up
GUYRA Shire Council has asked the community to restrain from unnecessary use of town water as the region endures a lengthy dry spell.
The council said it would not yet enforce water restrictions, but asked for residents to apply common sense.
It encouraged the watering of gardens in cooler times to reduce the evaporative effects of the heat in the middle of the day.
“The community will be aware that Guyra Shire is experiencing dry summer conditions,” the council said.
“Guyra’s town water supply is relatively secure at present, however the commencement of water restrictions may need to be considered in coming weeks if there is not substantial rainfall.”
The lack of a plentiful water supply in rural waterways has meant routine grading of gravel roads in the area has been deferred.
Council said it did not wish to diminish the water available for stock and rural properties.
