The Macquarie is a vital tributary of the Barwon Darling Rivers, it's winter and spring inflows very welcome in the Barwon at a time when the monsoon fed rivers of the north are contributing less water.

Native fish need the Macquarie and Barwon to connect - from the Barwon Darling they pick up the scent of an in flowing tributary river, and make their way upstream into the rich feeding grounds of the Macquarie Marshes, the river and creeks.

It's very alarming to read the outgoing WaterNSW CEO David Harris (Daily Liberal 1 May 2020) attempt to address environmental concerns about the proposed re regulating weir at Gin Gin by saying that flows will be caught that would otherwise flow 'to the end of the system'. It is vital that water does flow to the end of the system, unimpeded by a new dam structure.

David Harris' Letter to the Editor WaterNSW addresses environmental concerns has only served to increase the communities concerns. How can we trust a corporation that considers stopping water flowing to the end of the river is a benefit to the environment?

Healthy Rivers Dubbo is a grass roots community group dedicated to providing a strong voice for our local rivers, aquifers and wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin for the benefit of wildlife, plants and people. We pay our respects to Elders past present and emerging, and acknowledge this land was never ceded.

Melissa Gray

Convenor, Healthy Rivers Dubbo

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