Water management plan audits

Purpose of a water management plan audit

The purpose of a water management plan audit is to:

• provide independent assessment that helps improve water management
• increase transparency for water users, government and the community
• identify where parts of a water management plan have not been implemented as intended
• support accountability and promote confidence in water management

The audits also contribute to:

• achieving the objects of the Act, including:
  ‘to provide for the sustainable and integrated management of the water sources of the State for the benefit of both present and future generations’
• delivering the NSW Government’s vision for water management, including:
  ‘a more robust, transparent and accountable system that promotes confidence that this precious resource is being managed efficiently, effectively, in accordance with the law and, above all, fairly’

Objectives of the audits

The objectives of the audits are to:

• provide the Minister responsible for the Act with audit reports that offer a limited‑assurance conclusion on whether the provisions of the plans are being implemented, and explain the basis for these conclusions
• communicate openly with auditees and key stakeholders as required by audit standards
• provide recommendations to improve water management in NSW.