WATER UPDATE

The Grafton to Karangi Dam pipeline is complete and taking water from the Nymboida to Coffs Harbour. The Nymboida in early February was at its lowest flow since early this century. When the flow over the Nymboida weir falls below 225 megalitres per day, water extraction (except directly for Clarence town-water supply) is supposed to stop. River flow has been far below this for months. In early February (after the rain) it was only 72 megalitres. The Department of Land and Water Conservation is allowing North Coast Water to pump water to Coffs under special licence conditions, ‘in case the Nymboida fails’. Meanwhile, Coffs Harbour goes ahead with more development, and people in the Clarence continue to use water as if there’s no tomorrow. The DLWC emergency drought measure comes under review at the end of February. We want pumping to stop.

Meanwhile, Pristine Waters Council will soon consider the development application for the access road to the Shannon Creek dam site. Construction of this road will result in a 5 kilometre by 30 metre wide path of destruction through old growth forests containing a huge array of threatened species of plants and animals. There is an alternative route for the road, through an already-cleared power easement, which North Coast Water refuses to consider.

What can you do?

  • Write to DLWC asking that they do not extend the special emergency pumping conditions on the Nymboida River.
  • Write to the Minister of Planning asking that no new development in Coffs or the Clarence be allowed to connect to the Regional Water Supply until a sustainable, secure water supply (ie desalination, reuse & rain tanks) is in place.
  • Lobby Pristine Waters Council raising your concerns about the Shannon Creek access road. For more detailed information, email forest@nor.com.au.

Resist this destructive proposal on behalf of the Nymboida River and the flora and fauna of Shannon Creek, which cannot defend themselves.