BY DAKOTA TAIT
Cease-to-pump rules put forward by the State Government have been scrapped for the Lower Hunter, after farmers across the region raised the alarm, it could cripple agricultural activities.
The move would have restricted the amount of water that irrigators could draw from the Hunter River in summer, in hopes to safeguard the freshwater supply downstream and the health of the system.
Farmers voiced their concerns, saying crops wouldn't survive and measures are already in place to manage salinity and water usage.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says the Water Minister has confirmed, the rules will not be included as part of a water-sharing plan in the Lower Hunter.
Once it's set in stone in July, the plan will be in effect for ten years.
Mr Layzell says he's worked hard with the community, and is hoping to see the rules abandoned in the rest of the Hunter as well.
