A BATTLE is brewing over water use in the region as irrigators lash-out over the volume to be released for “environmental needs”.
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Peel Valley Water Users claim 6,257 megalitres will be released from Chaffey Dam down the Peel River, in coming months, which is more than a year’s supply for an irrigator in the region, Ildu Monticone said.
“It needs to be reviewed,” Mr Monticone said.
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“Is that the total amount of water needed at this point in time.
“That’s a lot of water in very dry weather conditions with no significant rain forecast.”
If that volume of environmental water is released, Mr Monticone said it would impact bulk-users and their allocations in the next financial year, as well as ratepayers in Tamworth.
“Ratepayers ought to be concerned, that’s 6000 megalitres that won’t be there,” he said.
He said it could force council to impose tighter water restrictions earlier than it has to.
Councillor Russell Webb said the proposed volume could drop Chaffey’s capacity by six per cent.
“Is that responsible when we don’t know what the future holds,” Cr Webb said.
He said it highlighted the need to expand water storage, and security, in the region as it continued to grow.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson also shot down the release of environmental water.
“While the Commonwealth has made this decision, as the local MP it is important that local water needs are not put at risk because of any release from Chaffey,” he said.
“In an increasingly dry environment, all water users, including irrigators and council, need assurances their needs can be met if rains continue to hold off.
“With no major rains forecast for the near future, the outlook is continuing to look bleak for farmers and water users, including irrigators and council.”