About the proposed improved regulations
We are proposing to reduce red-tape for private irrigation districts and boards, private drainage boards and private water trusts (joint private works schemes), to help them more easily self-govern and better comply with regulations.
We are proposing to implement parts of the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 relevant to these types of joint private works schemes which will provide greater autonomy and allow them to:
- create new entities such as private water corporations, which is not permitted under the current Water Management Act 2000
- appoint a new chairperson or approve new by-laws without the need for Governor or Ministerial approval
- make and amend their own internal administrative rules based on the needs of the scheme
We invite schemes members to help us develop clearer, simpler rules and regulations. Once implemented these changes will be incorporated in the Water Management Act 2000.
Fact sheet
Learn more about how we are proposing to improve regulation for joint private works schemes.
Download the fact sheet (PDF. 82KB)Have your say
The consultation period on the draft model rules for joint private works schemes has now closed. The model rules will support schemes to transition to the new laws and provide them with a set of internal governance rules for adoption.
We are considering the feedback submitted during the consultation period and will publish the draft regulations and model rules for comment in mid-2023.
The consultation period for the following documents has closed.
Frequently asked questions
Why are we updating the regulations for Joint private works schemes (JPWS)?
We have heard from members for JPWS that the current legislation that governs JPWS could be updated to make things easier. The department is implementing parts of the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 to simplify the regulation for private irrigation districts, private drainage boards and private water trusts.
This update will allow schemes to develop internal rules based on the needs of their scheme and any change in circumstances as well as reduce red tape such as the need to seek the Minister’s or the Governor’s approval for internal administrative changes.
How will the department consult with Joint private works schemes?
We are engaging with private irrigation districts and boards, private drainage boards and private water trusts. We will be asking for their advice on improvements to help develop clearer, simpler rules and regulations to implement changes under the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 to be incorporated into the Water Management Act 2000.
We welcome feedback via our online survey, we are also holding small group meetings to provide input to inform the development of the new rules and regulations. We will use this input to develop supporting information to help schemes meet these new requirements.
We have also set up a Stakeholder advisory panel, with schemes of different sizes and complexity, to work together with the department, to guide these improvements to the rules and regulations.
What is the process to update the regulation for JPWS?
There are several processes which need to take place before the legislative framework can be updated. This includes:
- engagement with JPWS to help develop the new and improved rules and regulations under the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 and to determine an appropriate transition period before the new regulation commences
- public exhibition phase of the proposed new regulation
- approval of the new rules and regulations by the Government
- updated communications about these new rules and regulations and information on how to help implement them.
When will the new regulation commence?Â
We are consulting with JPWS and other stakeholders from September 2022 to develop new rules and regulations, which will take at least 12 months.
Through this consultation, we will work together to determine an appropriate transition period for schemes before the new regulation applies.
We anticipate the regulation would likely commence from late 2023 onwards.
How will the new regulation benefit JPWS?Â
The new regulation will provide several benefits for JPWS. Based on feedback some of these benefits will:
- allow for the establishment of private water corporations
- allow changes without the Governor’s approval - for example, to change the boundaries of a private irrigation district, fill a casual board member vacancy or remove board members
- reduce the requirements for Ministerial approval – for example, to create boards and districts, change boundaries, change the number of board members or election of board members
- provide greater visibility to scheme members of the operations of their scheme, through the preparation of works plan and audited financial statements.
We are consulting with JPWS on the new rules and regulations to implement these changes.
I am part of a JPWS that would like to end the scheme, how do I do this?
There are several steps that need to be taken to officially wind-down a scheme, it is important that you contact the department for guidance on the legal process to do this.
If a scheme has been inactive for some time, winding up the scheme may be an option. Please contact us on either 1300 081 047 or jpws@dpie.nsw.gov.au to discuss further.
Stakeholder advisory panel
One of the ways we are seeking input from schemes is via a new stakeholder advisory panel.
We have engaged with a selection of schemes that range in complexity and size, to nominate a member of their scheme for membership of the Stakeholder advisory panel.
The Stakeholder advisory panel will contribute ideas and feedback via our online meetings, between September 2022 and August 2023.
Further details can be found in the Terms of Reference (PDF, 116.59 KB).
Panel meetings
All panel meeting minutes will be published below after each meeting.
Meeting 2 – Thursday 10 November 2022
Improved regulations for joint private works schemes meeting.
Contact us
For further information and enquiries please email jpws@dpie.nsw.gov.au or call us on 1300 081 047.