Audits and reviews of water sharing plans under the Water Management Act 2000
All water sharing plans are independently audited and reviewed by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) during their 10-year term. This is a requirement of the Water Management Act 2000.
Audits
Water sharing plans are audited under section 44 of the Act to determine whether the plan’s rules are being put into practice.
The NRC completes audits within 5 years of a plan commencing. Information on plan audits in progress or completed by the NRC can be found on their website. The current schedule for plan audits is below. Note: this schedule may change where plans are replaced.
We are also working to improve implementation of water sharing plan rules by establishing a theme-based, approach to implementing water sharing plans.
As part of this work, in 2022 the Department of Planning and Environment published a list of all water sharing plan rules that had not yet been implemented. This is in direct response to the 2020 ICAC Report.
Audit reports and report cards
Between 2015 and 2018, audits were completed under the direction of an independent panel. Copies of the independent audit reports covering water sharing plans 2015-18 as well as the previous reports dating back to 2004 are available in the Water Archive.
Reviews
Water sharing plans are audited under section 43A of the Water Management Act 2000.
NSW water sharing plans are valid for 10 years from their commencing date. Plans may be amended during their life to ensure they comply with changing legislation and to facilitate their implementation.
Near the end of the 10-year term the NRC completes a formal review to identify whether changes to plan rules are needed to deliver better outcomes for all water users, including the environment. Information on plan reviews in progress or completed by the NRC can be found on their website.
You can view the current schedule for plan reviews. Note: this schedule may change where plans are replaced.
What is the review process?
Under the Water Management Act 2000 the Minister may, on recommendation by the Natural Resources Commission, extend a water sharing plan for another 10 years or replace the plan.
Extension refers to the extension of a plan for a further 10 years without change. Replacement is where changes to the existing plan are proposed.
In some cases where a smaller plan is being replaced, it may be merged into a larger plan.
What does this mean for me?
Where a plan will be replaced or amended, the department will undertake consultation with stakeholders, which may include a formal public exhibition period, targeted consultation or other meetings or workshops, depending on the nature of the amendments proposed and the needs of stakeholders.
More information on how the department assesses the effects of water sharing plan rule changes can be found on the fact sheet (PDF, 292.73 KB) Assessing the effects of water sharing plan rule changes.
How can I be involved?
The department will notify licence holders and other stakeholders when the review of a water sharing plan is due to commence. The department collaborates with the Natural Resource Commission, consulting with stakeholders and gathering information to inform reviews.
Water sharing plans undergoing a review are advertised on the Have your say website and submissions are collated by the Natural Resource Commission and shared with the department. This is generally followed by targeted stakeholder meetings to discuss issues and understand stakeholder concerns.