Media enquiries
For all water related media enquiries please email watermedia@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Subscribe to updates
To stay updated on water management matters, water projects and plans, visit our subscription centre and select the topics that matter to you most.
Sign up hereWork complete on pivotal new Walcha Dam
2 December 2023
Walcha’s 3000 residents will soon have access to a drought-resilient water supply, thanks to the completion of a new $11 million off-stream storage dam co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
All 20 NSW water resource plans lodged
14 February 2023
NSW has made significant progress towards its obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, having now lodged its final water resource plans to the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
Winburndale Dam upgrade nears completion
25 January 2023
The $16 million Winburndale Dam Flood Security Upgrade is nearing its final stages, with 19 of 25 pre-stressed ground anchors now installed to reinforce the dam wall.
Hypoxic blackwater in western and southern NSW
23 December 2021
The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is warning hypoxic blackwater conditions are occurring along the Barwon-Darling River, which have impacted fish, causing some recent deaths.
NRAR finds solution to protect natural streams in Moree Plains
8 November 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has helped to protect environmental flows in the Gwydir River system, by finding a solution to address a landholder’s alleged unlicensed water take.
NRAR works with illicit tobacco taskforce on latest prosecution
18 October 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has commenced a prosecution against a company and an individual based in the Southern Tablelands for alleged breaches of the Water Management Act 2000 (WM Act).
Cockburn River water connectivity study progressing
3 September 2021
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today released a progress report into the water connectivity study being undertaken on the Cockburn River to assess interaction between surface and groundwater.
NRAR sets sights on quarry compliance
25 March 2021
Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) officers will be visiting quarries in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Sydney Metro to assess their compliance with water laws.
NRAR works with leading satellite providers to conduct its monitoring campaign
28 January 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) worked with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and Geoscience Australia (GA) to conduct the largest, most systematic monitoring effort in its history in 2020.
Minister Blair's response to Matthews' interim report
11 September 2017
Ken Matthews’ interim report into water administration and compliance in NSW has been received by the NSW Government. Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair, thanked Mr Matthews and his team for undertaking such a thorough and comprehensive
Update on Matthews' review of water issues in NSW
30 August 2017
Mr Matthews has completed information gathering for the interim report, and the drafting of this is close to completion.
Response to ABC 4 Corners inquiry
20 July 2017
The Murray Darling Basin (MDB) is Australia's most important agricultural region and produces one-third of the country's food supply. As with other complex river systems around the world, there are a wide variety of competing uses for a variable and