The Western Regional Water Strategy and how it will be delivered is set out in the following strategy and implementation plan documents:
- Western Regional Water Strategy (PDF. 17.4 MB)
- Western Regional Water Strategy Executive Summary (PDF. 5.9 MB)
- Western Regional Water Strategy Implementation Plan (PDF. 2.6 MB)
- Attachment 1: Summary of the options assessment (PDF. 1.6 MB)
- Attachment 2: Assessment of modelled options (PDF. 2.8 MB)
- Attachment 3: Additional analysis on the Menindee trigger options (PDF. 1 MB)
- Attachment 4: Analysis of restricting upstream licences to meet algal suppression and fish migration targets in the Barwon-Darling River (PDF. 5.5 MB)
- Attachment 5: Analysis on replenishment flows (PDF. 2.3 MB)
About the strategy
Secure, reliable and resilient water sources are critical to regional communities in NSW. The best and latest climate evidence, along with a wide range of tools and solutions, has been used to chart a progressive journey for our water needs for the next 20 years and beyond.
We have prioritised 20 actions that can help to improve the Western’s readiness to adapt to a more variable climate.
How the strategy was developed
To develop this strategy, the NSW Government undertook significant research, analysis and consultation with industry, communities, and water managers. The department sought input for the development of the strategy through a range of targeted engagement sessions and a round of public exhibition.
Document library and past engagement
Connectivity
The NSW Government has made a number of changes to improve water flowing across connected systems at important times. As part of developing the Western Regional Water Strategy we undertook significant analysis to better understand what further action we could take to improve these flows in the northern NSW Murray Darling Basin.
We now have a plan to continue this work and support communities across all of NSW. A summary of the plan to improve water flowing across connected systems at important times and evidence that sits behind it is available in the webinar and powerpoint presentation (PDF. 2.2 MB).
We will undertake further analysis and consultation to support the implementation of this plan and inform the changes that may need to be made to flow targets in water sharing plans to improve water flowing across connected catchments.
Connectivity Expert Panel
The Independent Connectivity Expert Panel was appointed by the Minister for Water in August 2023 to review the analyses the department have undertaken to improve connectivity and to provide an independent assessment of its adequacy.
The panel’s interim findings and recommendations report (PDF. 2.2MB) was released in April 2024 and the final Connectivity Expert Panel Report PDF, 5306.24 KB was released in July 2024.
Over the next 6 months (July – December 2024), the department will undertake detailed hydrologic and economic modelling on all the panel’s proposed changes to fully understand their potential benefits and impacts to inform next steps.
Go to: Northern Basin Connectivity Program
Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group
The Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group was established to provide a range of diverse perspectives to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on the proposed approach to river connectivity. The group was formed ahead of broader public consultation on connectivity as part of the draft Western Regional Water Strategy, last met on 15 December 2022 when briefed on connectivity proposals ahead of the release of the final Western Regional Water Strategy on 16 December 2022
More about the Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group
About the Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group
The Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group was established to provide a range of diverse perspectives to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on the proposed approach to river connectivity. The group consists of representatives from Aboriginal nations, water user groups, conservation groups, local government, the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
The group was formed ahead of broader public consultation on connectivity as part of the draft Western Regional Water Strategy. The draft strategy was publicly exhibited on 1 July 2022.
The group last met on 15 December 2022 and was briefed on connectivity proposals ahead of the release of the final Western Regional Water Strategy on 16 December 2022.
Terms of Reference
Defining the purpose, functions and structure of the Connectivity Stakeholder Reference Group.
Download the Terms of Reference (PDF. 199KB)
Meeting presentations and supporting material
- Analysis to support low flow connectivity discussions (PDF. 1.1MB)
- Critical needs analysis (PDF. 2.2MB)
- Connectivity analysis technical methods report (PDF. 130KB)
- Critical dry condition triggers (PDF. 611KB)
- NSW Regional Water Strategies: Draft Connectivity Options - November 2021 (PDF. 2.7MB)
- Briefing on final Western Regional Water Strategy (PDF. 2.2MB)
Meeting communiqués
- Communique #3 - 29 November 2021 (PDF. 197KB)
- Communique #2 - 7 October 2021 (PDF. 183KB)
- Communique #1 - 25 August 2021 (PDF. 114KB)
Submissions
- Submissions Summary Report (PDF. 163KB)
- Australian Floodplain Association (PDF. 190KB)
- Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (PDF. 1.1MB)
- Inland Rivers Network (PDF. 317KB)
- Lower Darling South Western Water Users (PDF. 137KB)
- Menindee Lakes Stakeholder Advisory Group (PDF. 327KB)
- Murray Regional Strategy Group (PDF. 353KB)
- Nature Conservation Council (PDF. 153KB)
- NSW Irrigators Council (PDF. 1.8MB)
Monitoring and reporting
The strategy is designed to respond to changing circumstances. We will undertake a formal review of the strategy at least every 5 years or in response to significant changing conditions and government priorities.
Each year, we will report on our progress in implementing the strategy actions. This will provide transparency to the community, and allow us to show what we have achieved and what we will deliver in the future.
