The NSW Aquifer Interference Policy defines the protection of NSW underground water resources and strikes a balance between the water use requirements of towns, farmers, industry and the environment.
A key plank of the NSW Government's Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, the Aquifer Interference Policy details how potential impacts to aquifers should be assessed, and how this information is provided to the relevant planning process, including the Gateway Panel and/or the Planning Assessment Commission. The policy:
- will apply across the state to clarify water licence and impact assessment requirements for aquifer interference activities
- ensures equitable water sharing among different types of water users
- ensures that water taken by aquifer interference activities is properly licensed and accounted for in the water budget and water sharing arrangements
- enhances existing regulation, resulting in a comprehensive framework to protect the rights of all water users and the environment.
View or download the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy and other supporting documents from the links below:
Information on land use planning in agriculture is available at Land Use Planning.