Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council (YACTAC) has voiced opposition to two Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustable Mechanism projects that propose infrastructure changes within the Yanco Creek system, developed as a water saving measure under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Residents say the project would cause widespread environmental damage to the Yanco Creek system, including wetlands such as the Wanganella Swamp, a world renowned bird breeding site.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey recently confirmed the project would not go ahead as originally planned, following consistent concerns from local landholders.
She said the 2024 deadline for the project, part of a suite of measures aimed at returning 605 Gl to the consumptive pool, could not be met.
YACTAC executive officer Tanya Thompson said the community would not accept what was originally proposed and the projects had "significant flaws".
“YACTAC has attended every meeting or discussion since 2015, but while our organisation continues to have the same people at the table the department has had enormous change in staff and with each change YACTAC feel we go over old ground,” she said.
“It’s a frustrating process but we are determined to keep engaged to ensure the creeks keep flowing for the towns, landholders, community and the environment as we all rely upon the creeks for water supply.”
She said the project in its original form could have jeopardised connectivity from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray, which is required for the survival and breeding of fish and other native species.
YACTAC, along with other community representatives, have been attending regular monthly meetings for the past year to determine viable project options.
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