NSW irrigators under investigation over ‘unexplained’ flood plain harvesting of 200GL of water

Environmental groups say flood plain harvesting has been responsible for the dramatic falls in river flows in the Darling river system. Photograph: NSW SES Far West Command Western Zone

NSW authorities are investigating several major “unexplained” incidents where 200GL of flood water – equivalent to nearly half the volume of Sydney harbour – was harvested by irrigators during floods in western NSW in late 2020 and early 2021.

NSW estimates was told last week 26 separate incidents were under investigation. Seven involve very large volumes which far exceed the amounts that were subsequently licensed.