Established in March 2016, the Upper House inquiry into water augmentation in rural and regional New South Wales has made its way to Lismore.
In a one day event today at Lismore City Hall, there will be a public hearing on the subject as part of a statewide endeavour to examine the suitability of existing water storages, flood risks and technologies available to mitigate flood damage. Public hearings have been held across the state starting in Broken Hill in October last year and finishing in Sydney next month.
The New South Wales Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee No. 5 – Industry and Transport, covers areas such as Primary Industries, Regional Water, Trade and Industry, Lands and Forestry, Racing,Transport and Infrastructure and Roads, Maritime and Freight, to name a few.
The committee will also consider the social, economic and environmental aspects of water management practices in New South Wales and in other jurisdictions in Australia and internationally.
Committee Chair, the Hon Robert Brown MLC, of the Shooters and Fishers, says the inquiry will examine the mechanisms and protocols to manage existing water storages and to ensure their sustainability into the future.
Todays event in Lismore will see speakers from across the Northern Rivers including Rod Haig Strategic Engineer (Water and Waste Water), Lismore Council and Mr Michael McKenzie Manager Planning and Delivery, Rous Water, as well as representatives from Tweed, Byron, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Kyogle councils.
Other experts and stake holders from across the region are also scheduled to appear.
The event is being held at the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall and will conclude today at 4pm. The public are invited to attend.
The inquiry was established on 22 March 2016, submissions were re-opened until Sunday 28 May 2017.
The reporting date has been extended to 30 March 2018.
