Tweed Water Alliance Inc

Tweed Water Alliance Inc is a community-based organisation established in early 2017 to address the issue of groundwater extraction for bottling in the Tweed Shire, New South Wales. The group campaigns against what it terms “water mining,” highlighting the unsustainable removal of groundwater for commercial bottling purposes, which threatens local ecosystems, farmland, and community wellbeing. Their efforts intensified following approvals for new water extraction developments, aiming to protect the region’s precious water resources from exploitation.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Tweed Water Alliance Inc is to hold the water mining industry accountable and to protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Tweed Shire from depletion caused by bottling operations. They envision a future where groundwater is sustainably managed, supporting healthy landscapes and communities without being drained for profit. The organisation advocates for transparency, rigorous scientific assessment, and community rights over local water resources.

Main Objectives

• Prevent unsustainable groundwater extraction for bottling and commercial profit.
• Raise community awareness about the environmental and social impacts of water mining.
• Challenge development approvals that allow water extraction without valid scientific backing.
• Advocate for stronger regulations and policies to protect water resources and local infrastructure.
• Support local communities in resisting the negative impacts of water mining, including road damage and environmental degradation.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries of Tweed Water Alliance Inc’s work are the local communities and ratepayers of the Tweed Shire, who face environmental, social, and economic costs from water mining. Additionally, the organisation supports the protection of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including native wildlife habitats and agricultural lands that rely on sustainable water availability.

Services and Activities

• Campaigning and advocacy to influence government decisions and public opinion against water mining.
• Legal research and freedom of information requests to uncover and challenge approvals and impact studies.
• Community engagement through information sharing, public meetings, and mobilising local action such as stopping water trucks.
• Political lobbying to promote policies that prioritise environmental sustainability and community interests.
• Collaboration with experts including legal and public service advisors to strengthen their campaigns.