Previous drafts and feedback
To develop these strategies, the NSW Government has undertaken significant research, analysis and consultation with industry, communities, and water managers. Input to the development of the strategy was sought through 2 public exhibition periods, as well as a range of targeted engagement sessions.
The following regional water strategies were on public exhibition in 2020–2022. The draft regional water strategies go through two rounds of public exhibitions before they are finalised. Feedback received on draft strategies has been used to refine the strategies and develop the actions that will be shortlisted for further investigation. The pages below present the previous draft strategies and the feedback we received per region during the public exhibitions conducted in 2020-2022.
Engagement with Aboriginal communities
The key themes that emerged during our consultation with the Aboriginal communities included Aboriginal people’s water rights, and Aboriginal knowledge and connection to Country.
Border Rivers Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Border Rivers Regional Water Strategy the department sought input on the strategy through two public consultation periods.
Gwydir Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Gwydir Regional Water Strategy the department sought input on the strategy through two public consultation periods.
North Coast Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the North Coast Regional Water Strategy the department sought input on the strategy through two public consultation periods.
South Coast Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the South Coast Regional Water Strategy the department sought input on the strategy through two public consultation periods.
Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy
Key themes that emerged during this consultation include Aboriginal knowledge and connection to Country, water infrastructure, water security, flooding and flood mitigation, and groundwater.
Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy, the department is seeking input on the strategy through public consultation.
Murray Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Murray Regional Water Strategy, the department is seeking input on the strategy through public consultation.
Lachlan Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Lachlan Regional Water Strategy, the department is seeking input on the strategy through two public consultation periods.
Western Regional Water Strategy
To finalise the Western Regional Water Strategy, the department sought input on the strategy through targeted consultation and a public consultation period.
Namoi Regional Water Strategy
Key themes that emerged during this consultation include water security, inclusion of Aboriginal water rights, interests and access to water, groundwater management and quality, climate conditions and change, ecosystems, river health and connectivity, and sustainable allocation and water sharing.
Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Water Strategy
The department has released a What we heard report and two additional technical documents following the second round of public consultation for the Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Water Strategy.
