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Media Release - Department of Natural Resources Barwon Regional Office Tamworth: 27 October 2006 WATER SUSPENSION NOTICE: COCKBURN RIVER The State Government has acted to protect water supplies along the Cockburn River in the Tamworth region by placing immediate restrictions on the extraction of water from the river and its tributuaries. Resource Access Manager with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Geoff Cameron, said the water suspension notice is necessary due to the ongoing dry conditions. “We have been concerned for some time about the effect that the ongoing drought conditions are having on our streams and groundwater supplies,” he said. “Our priorities are to protect the ecosystems of our streams, stock and domestic supplies, and town water supplies. “As a result DNR has suspended irrigation pumping until conditions improve. The suspensions apply to all licences held for irrigation on the Cockburn River and its tributaries and out-flowing streams.” Mr Cameron said the following restrictions now apply for all extraction purposes other than stock, domestic, research and experimental purposes: - No extraction of water from the Cockburn River, unless the level of the river on the gauge at the Kootingal Bridge is 0.5 metres or more. - If the river level is 0.5 metres or more, extraction can only take place between 7pm-7am. - No extraction at any time from the tributaries and out-flowing streams of the river. “Water users are reminded that as there is a known interaction between surface water and groundwater in the Peel valley, the groundwater allocation for licences in the Zone 1 managed alluvium is currently at 25%,” he said. “DNR will be conducting regular inspections to ensure that water users are observing the conditions. If we find that water users breach these conditions, we will take appropriate action,” Mr Cameron said. “We will continue to monitor the water supply situation carefully and should there be any changes in the situation the restrictions may be lifted. Licence holders can contact the Tamworth DNR office on 6764 5900 for further information.   MEDIA CONTACTS Barwon Regional Office Anne Brook 155-157 Marius St PO Box 550 TAMWORTH NSW 2340 Telephone: (02) 6764 5912 Facsimile: (02) 6764 5980 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Natural Resources