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 hereWater allocations reflect continued good water availability
1 July 2024
Today’s mostly full opening water allocations reflect the state’s continued good water availability following consecutive wet years. This is good news for licenced water users, who will see most entitlements nearing maximum allowable levels.
Dungowan artefacts returned to Country
6 March 2024
Thousands of stone artefacts found during the Dungowan Dam investigations in northern NSW have been returned to Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Country during a smoking ceremony at the Tamworth Botanical Gardens this week.
Work 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.
Temporary restriction on interstate water trade
1 September 2023
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment today extended the temporary restriction on interstate water trades into the NSW Murray, Lower Darling and Murrumbidgee regulated river water sources to 30 September 2023, unless repealed earlier.
New water allocations reflect record rainfall in recent months
1 July 2022
The opening water allocations for NSW licenced water users reflect the significant turnaround from drought conditions to an abundance of water across the state.
Snowy River high-flows to commence in late May
2 May 2022
The first of nine planned high-flow environmental water releases to the Snowy River will begin on Tuesday 31 May 2022.
Managing the risk of a significant hypoxic blackwater event at Menindee Lakes
7 February 2022
High floodwaters that are low in dissolved oxygen levels are continuing to move downstream from the Barwon-Darling River to the Menindee Lakes increasing the risk of fish deaths.
Ken Matthews' statement on interim report
8 December 2021
Ken Matthews' announcement regarding his interim report for Independent Investigation into NSW Water Management and Compliance
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).
Community notice: Wilcannia Weir upgrade consultation commences
19 December 2018
The department is pleased to advise that the business case and scoping study for the upgrade of Wilcannia Weir are now available for review.
Contractor more at fault in first for water regulator
12 November 2018
The Natural Resources Access Regulator is establishing its reputation as firm but fair in its actions to ensure equitable access to water.