The Osborn family have grown produce on their 120-hectare (300-acre) farm for the last 80 years, but now fear that potential changes to water-sharing rules could close their business. In tidal pool water sources, where water levels are based on tides, cease to pump rules are determined by salinity levels. Under the current plan there are three tidal pool water sources in the Hunter Estuary – the Wallis Creek, Paterson River and the Hunter River tidal pools. The family installed meters on all their pumps, back when the current water-sharing plan was enacted. The draft replacement plan is due in December, with the date for the new water-sharing plan proposed for July 2022.

Source: The Guardian December 05, 2021 05:36 UTC