Water management plan reviews and audits

Independent review and audits of water management plans in NSW under sections 43A and 44 of the Water Management Act 2000, including how plans support environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Coastal river NSW

Independent reviews and audits of water management plans

Since December 2018, we have had 2 legislative responsibilities under the Water Management Act 2000.

Section 43A – Reviews of water sharing plans

We review water sharing plans in the last 5 years of each plan to assess how well their water sharing rules have supported environmental, social and economic outcomes. We also recommend any changes needed to improve these outcomes.

Section 44 – Audits of water management plans

We audit water management plans, including water sharing plans and floodplain management plans, within the first 5 years of each plan. The audit checks whether the plans’ provisions are being implemented as intended.

Highlights

Independent reviews
We review water sharing plans to ensure they are achieving environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes as intended.
Audit of plans

We identify gaps in the way water management plans are being implemented so that responsible agencies can correct these during the life of the plans.

Continuous improvement

Our role to review and audit plans promotes continuous improvement in water management in NSW, while plans are in force and as they are replaced or remade.

Browse reviews and audits

Warragamba dam Sydney NSW

Water sharing plan reviews

Gwydir river NSW

Water management plan audits

Types of water management plans 

Water sharing plans

Water sharing plans are statutory instruments under the Water Management Act 2000. They set out how water is managed, first to support the environment, and then to deliver social and economic benefits. Each plan generally applies for 10 years.

Floodplain management plans

Floodplain management plans provide a coordinated framework for flood work development. Their purpose is to:

  • minimise changes to flooding behaviour in the future
  • improve awareness of risks to life and property from flooding.

Contact the Natural Resources Commission

Our team welcomes your feedback and enquiries.

Online: contact form

Phone: (02) 9228 4844

Email:  nrc@nrc.nsw.gov.au

Web:   Natural Resources Commission

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