Friday, 15 August 2025
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has backed calls from the NSW Irrigators’ Council and NSW Farmers who are urging the NSW Government to modernise the state’s century-old domestic and stock water rules.
The calls for change come after a NSW Government ‘What We Heard’ report on domestic and stock water use.
Current regulations on water use for irrigators date back to the 1912 Water Act and Mr Moylan said they do not fall into line with the needs of modern agriculture.
“The rules around the use of stock and domestic water need to be updated to fit the realities of modern farming,” Mr Moylan said.
“They don’t allow for things like biosecurity management and weed and pest control which weren’t considered in 1912 when the rules were made.
“Allowing farmers the flexibility to use their stock and domestic water more widely would be more positive for the environment in comparison to alternatives such as using drinking water or reverting back to ploughing.
“Updating these rules would ensure the people who put food on our tables can do it in ways which are more practical and more environmentally sustainable.
“Farmers and irrigators have moved forward with modern techniques so it is time the way they are allowed to use water should follow suit.
“Our farmers and irrigators already meet some of the toughest compliance standards in the world.
“The NSW Government needs to work with organisations such as the NSW Irrigators’ Council and NSW Farmers to update the laws to include the use of stock and domestic water for essential practices such as spraying and cleaning farm equipment.”
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan believes the 1912 Water Act needs to be updated to allow farmers and irrigators more flexibility in the way they use water.