Trusts to report foreign beneficiaries

Overview

What’s this about?

Trustees of trusts that hold water access licences will need to report on foreign beneficiaries from 1 July 2027. This new requirement aims to improve the transparency of water ownership in NSW. 

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2025 that will exempt some trustees from the need to report.

The exemptions are proposed because:

• Some trustees may not hold the information needed or are unable to provide it.
• Some trusts do not hold large amounts of water in NSW.

The department is seeking feedback on the proposed exemptions from:

• water licence holders
• trustees and beneficiaries of trusts
• other interested stakeholders.

Feedback received during this consultation will help inform the final regulation. It will also help ensure the regulations are practical, clear and effective.

Have your say

Have your say by 11:59 pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

You can provide feedback in one way.