A Dubbo environmental group have welcomed the findings of a National Resources Commission review of the Barwon-Darling water plan that says the river is in 'crisis'.
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"We're very encouraged by the strength of this report, it calls out the Barwon-Darling as an ecosystem in crisis, which any of us who are connected to it understand that it is," Mel Gray of Healthy Rivers Dubbo said.
The report found that changes made to the water sharing rules had a negative impact on the 'physical and mental health' of residents in Western NSW, as well as finding that the changes 'benefit the economic interests of a few upstream users over the ecological and social needs of the many.'
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"We know the economic interests of upstream users have been put ahead, we feel that here," Ms Gray said.
The report recommended a number of changes, including immediate alterations to protect low flows, a program of active water management and recognising Aboriginal rights and that water should be delivered 'where and when' needed to support communities and protect threatened species.
However, Ms Gray called on the government to go further.
"It's important to see the plan in the context that it is the NSW implement for the management of that river, as a tool for that purpose, the amendments that have been suggested are wonderful, for the plan itself, there are some very big changes that we need to be implemented," Ms Gray said.
"Most importantly, we need a full audit of environmental water within the basin and we need a national water body to oversee the implementation of the basin plan."
"These are absolutely vital changes that give the river a chance at life."
