The Nymagee branch of the NSW Farmers’ Association hosted the Water Symposium which addressed ways to improve efficiencies in water use, to make the most of what is available.

Co-organiser Mike Nicolson said concerns about cyclical climate change, and heading into drier times, encouraged him to get involved and spread the message.

“Nymagee is about as far away from a river as it gets, so we rely on bores and ground water tanks,” Mr Nicholson said.

“The country now is looking beautifull, with lots of water and green grass but we wanted to be better prepared for the next drought.”

A host of issues, including addressing salinity in bores and seepage and evaporation problems in ground tanks were addressed by speakers.

Chief executive officer of the Western Catchment Management Authority Darryl Green, one the events major sponsors, also advised on ways to maximise rainfall to improve pastures.

The topic of mining was also present, with renewed mining interests around the district.

“Those mines will need water as well so we need to be aware of what could happen if there is a large increase of water needed from bores,” Mr Nicholson said.

“We’re not opposed to mining but we want to ensure a fair share.”

Sue Hamilton of the NSW Office of Water, Tamworth, advised those present on the legalities and licensing of bores, as well as their options if water is discovered during mining exploration.

Addressing salinity was also discussed, with the options of desalinization plants or magnetic water conditioners.

The Murray Darling Basin plan was also in focus, as farmers anxiously wait for the release of the report.

“Everybody that uses water in a rural sense needs to be concerned as we don’t know what to expect,” Mr Nicholson said.

Mr Nicholson said one big thing that struck him about the day was the exchanging ideas, even among the speakers.