Media enquiries
For all water related media enquiries please email media@environment.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 hereLast chance to have your say on stock and domestic rights
3 November 2023
NSW water users have two weeks left to complete the Stock and Domestic Rights survey as part of a broader review into understanding how water is extracted and managed under these rights, and whether any changes are needed.
Domestic and stock rights review
21 August 2023
The Department of Planning and Environment is launching its first survey on domestic and stock rights to get a clearer snapshot of how water extracted under these rights is being used, and whether any changes are needed to improve the way its
Opportunity to obtain a new groundwater access licence
17 October 2022
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is making new water access licenses available in 54 groundwater sources across NSW.
Opportunity to obtain Water Access Licences
4 March 2022
The opportunity to purchase water access licences across 55 different water sources within NSW will provide added water security to existing operations, allow additional water for new or expanding business and help improve the economies of regional
DPIE optimises best-practice management of the Snowy Water Licence
29 June 2021
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has taken a significant step towards ensuring best-practice management of the Snowy Water Licence after its first 10-year review.
NRAR commences 3 prosecutions to ring in 3rd year
12 May 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) commenced two prosecutions in the Land and Environment Court and another in the Tenterfield Local Court last week.
NRAR prosecutes earthmoving company for alleged water law breaches
12 May 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has charged a Queensland-based earthmoving company for allegedly breaching the Water Management Act 2000 (WM Act) by constructing a bore without the required approval.
NRAR fines Armidale regional council for alleged unlawful water take
31 March 2021
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) issued the Armidale Regional Council two penalty notices for alleged unlawful water take between December 2019 and February 2020.
Water regulator commences prosecution of mine at Maules Creek
2 July 2020
The state’s independent water regulator has commenced prosecution in the Land and Environment Court of a mine operator at Maules Creek near Boggabri in the state’s north west.
NSW Groundwater allocations
25 June 2020
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is making new water access licences available in 43 groundwater sources across NSW.
NRAR fines Port Macquarie area water carter
25 June 2020
The state’s independent water regulator, the Natural Resources Access Regulator, has issued multiple fines to a Port Macquarie area water carter for allegedly taking water from the Wilson River without a water licence or approvals.
Landowners from Walgett area face string of charges in Land and Environment Court
22 April 2020
Two landholders from the Walgett area will face 14 charges in the Land and Environment Court for breaches of water laws in 2016 and 2017.