Following the 2022 flood events in NSW, at least seven debris rafts (the rafts) containing woody and soft vegetative matter and anthropogenic (human-made) waste have formed along an approximately 15 km long reach of the Macquarie River, starting about 10 km north of Warren. Warren is northwest of Dubbo.

Concerns have been raised around their ongoing management, with a focus on water levels, flow rates, flow diversion, anthropogenic waste, exotic woody debris, water quality and fish passage impacts.

A multi-agency consultative group was formed to consider the expert technical, agency and stakeholder views and options available for management of the rafts.

The objectives of this Tender are:

• Partial to full removal of two of the seven rafts (rafts 4 and 7as per Addendum 1), in a manner that does not adversely impact riverbanks

• Lawful disposal of all anthropogenic and non-native debris removed from the river

• Identification, stockpiling and reintroduction of native debris back into the Macquarie River in consultation with Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)

• Liaison with the EPA and Department of Planning and Environment on results of the monitoring for erosion potential, water levels and flow and water quality along the length of the Macquarie River to inform the extent of partial removal and/or the need for full removal

The amount of debris removed from each raft will be dependent on environmental, safety and logistical considerations. Where there is a risk of potential impacts on the hydrology and the ecology of the river, these are likely able to be mitigated through partial removal or through the approach to removal, i.e full removal is not needed.