NSW environment minister Gabrielle Upton announced up to 15,000 megalitres of water previously reserved for environmental use would be put up for purchase. 

Additionally, 450 megalitres of groundwater will be up for auction in the Riverina. 

Coleambally farmer Trent Gardiner said while every megalitre of water counted, the amount release might not be enough to make a huge impact. 

“Every little bit counts. It’s better than not doing anything at all. If it’s going to auction, it’ll go to the highest bidder,” Mr Gardiner said. 

He also held concerns about the way water could potentially be released. 

“I would assume if it were going to an auction it would be the highest bidder, which I can’t imagine would it would be fodder production,” he said.

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“If the intention is to help drought-affected farmers I think they’ve potentially missed the mark.” 

Yenda farmer Chris Morsehead said he doesn’t want to see the federal government impact the water market. 

“I’m quite happy for the government to participate in temporary water trading as long as it doesn’t affect the market. They have to be prudent with water entitlement like we all do,” he said. 

“The market already exists … I think that any influence or impact that the government may have in participating in the temporary market must not adversely affect the market.”

Ms Upton said the water could be the difference in farmers and irrigators keeping crops and stock alive. 

“This extra water could make that vital difference for farmers, allowing them to keep crops growing and stock alive,” Ms Upton said. 

“All proceeds raised from purchases of this water will be held in trust with the Department of Primary Industries and used for priority drought-related projects.”