The Lachlan Regional Water Strategy and how it will be delivered is set out in the following strategy and implementation plan documents:
About the strategy
Secure, reliable and resilient water resources are critical to regional communities in NSW. A more variable climate, as well as changing industries and populations, will mean that balancing different demands for our precious water resources and managing water efficiently and sustainably into the future, will be challenging.
The Lachlan Regional Water Strategy identifies risks, and how we can manage and best prepare for future uncertainties and challenges, as well as capitalise on opportunities in the region.
The strategy contains 22 actions to help the Lachlan adapt to and continue to prosper, in a more variable climate. The Lachlan strategy and implementation plan, also adopt a new format for greater transparency and improved monitoring:
- to help monitor and evaluate implementation, the strategy includes intended short-term (5 year) and long-term (5-20 year) outcomes for each overarching action.
- each action is made up of clear sub-actions, which are categorised on current commitments for funding and resourcing:
- funded sub-actions are works that are underway or planned and funded for delivery within 5 years
- currently unfunded sub-actions are works that are not currently planned or funded and will have a 5-20 year timeframe for delivery.
How the strategy was developed
To develop this strategy, the NSW Government undertook significant research, analysis and consultation with industry, communities, and water managers. The department sought input through public exhibition of strategy documents, as well as targeted engagement sessions.
About the Implementation Plan
The implementation plan focuses solely on funded sub-actions, as these will be delivered in the first 5 years. Currently unfunded sub-actions do not appear in the implementation plan. These are longer term priorities that will be carried out subject to funding availability.
This approach provides greater clarity and transparency for all stakeholders on implementation of the strategy and recognises that not all sub-actions can be progressed at once. Funding is a key consideration in planning when and how the actions will be implemented.
Monitoring and reporting
The strategy is designed to respond to changing circumstances. We will review the implementation plan and strategy every 5 years, or as significant changes in conditions, outlook or government priorities require.
As a component of monitoring, evaluation and reporting, the department reports annually on implementation. The annual report is a way for the community to track progress and for the department to show which actions have been delivered, or progressed, in that year.
Contact us
Please email the Regional Water Strategies team at water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions.