12-month extension to current water allocations in the Barossa
Barossa surface water users who were preparing to receive up to 25% reduced allocations have been notified that no changes will occur for the 2026/27 water use year.
The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, the official natural resource management body for the region, advises that the amended Barossa Water Allocation Plan 2026 will not commence on 1 July 2026 as initially anticipated, with implementation now likely to be from 1 July 2027.
Unchanged for a further 12 months
Currently under consideration by the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, the Plan is expected to be considered by Cabinet in the coming months as part of the formal approval process.
As a result, water allocations will remain unchanged for a further 12 months. However, the draft Plan still proposes a reduction of up to 25% in surface water allocations should the flow metrics not recover from current conditions.
The additional 12-month period will provide irrigators, landholders and other water users with more time to prepare for expected changes.
Northern and Yorke Landscape Board Chair Geoff White said the plan is well positioned to support sustainable water management outcomes for the region, but the revised timing reflects the need for the plan to be considered by the new Environment Minister and State Cabinet.
“We recognise that water availability is a critical issue for the Barossa community and that any changes can have significant impacts on businesses and the environment,” says Mr White.
“Allocations will remain unchanged for the next 12 months, but the reality is that reductions are still expected, and water users should use this time to plan and prepare.
“While the delay may be disappointing for some, it also provides valuable time for water users to understand the proposed changes and consider how to adapt for the future.
“Sustainable water management is essential to maintaining the long-term health of the Barossa’s water resources, while supporting the region’s agricultural productivity and environmental values.”
What’s next
Work will continue in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water to support water licence holders through the transition, including providing information and guidance ahead of implementation.
The Department for Environment and Water intends to provide written communication to ‘existing water users’ who made application for a water licence in the Greenock Creek Catchment Area in the coming months (within the 2026 year). This will provide information on the proposed methodology for determining water entitlements and next steps.
Further updates will be provided as the Plan progresses through the approval process.
Water monitoring data collected across the Barossa will continue to be collated and assessed between December and February each year, with information on the condition of the water resources published on the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board website in March 2027.
For more information: visit the Barossa WAP page on our website.
