About the project
We are simplifying the laws managing private irrigation boards, private drainage boards and private water trusts (joint private works schemes). By applying parts of the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 we will:
- cut red tape by reducing the need for the NSW Government's approval for administrative matters
- give schemes more flexibility to make and amend their own rules
- allow the creation of private water corporations and the conversion of private water trusts to private water corporations.
To implement the changes, we are working with joint private works schemes to make clear and simple regulations and rules.
Frequently asked questions
Read the frequently asked questions about joint private works schemes.
Have your say
The below draft documents are on public exhibition from 17 August 2023 to 30 September 2023.
Draft regulations
Amendments
Proposed amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018. The regulations will apply to all joint private works schemes.
Download the proposed amendments (PDF. 380KB)Regulatory Impact Statement
An analysis of the costs and benefits of the proposed amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.
Download the draft statement (PDF. 787KB)Private irrigation boards and private drainage boards
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Draft list of private water corporations PDF, 177.28 KB | List of private irrigation boards and private drainage boards that will become private water corporations when the Water Management Amendment Act 2010 starts. |
| Draft model rules for private water corporations PDF, 730.87 KB | Template rules that private water corporations may adopt as their internal administrative rules. |
| Draft model rules guide (PDF, 139.89 KB) | Guide designed to be read with the draft model rules for private water corporations. The guide explains how to use the template rules. |
Private water trusts
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Draft list of private water trusts PDF, 58.41 KB | Names of private water trusts the Water Management Act 2000 applies to. |
| Draft model rules for private water trusts PDF, 709.66 KB | Template rules that private water trusts may adopt as their internal administrative rules. |
| Draft model rules guide PDF, 147.17 KB | Guide designed to be read with the draft model rules for private water trusts. The guide explains how to use the template rules. |
To provide feedback:
- call 1300 081 047
- email jpws@dpie.nsw.gov.au
We will be meeting with the stakeholder advisory panel to discuss the draft regulations and model rules in August 2023.
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.
Watch the webinar
The fourth stakeholder advisory panel meeting was held on the 31 August 2023.
How the draft regulations and model rules were developed
To develop the draft regulations and model rules, the NSW Government undertook research, analysis and consultation with joint private works schemes. Three discussion documents were on public exhibition from September 2022 to November 2022.
The release of the discussion documents was accompanied by an engagement and consultation program including:
- stakeholder advisory panel meetings
- face-to-face meetings with schemes
- online meetings with schemes
- written submissions.
96 joint private works schemes participated in the engagement and consultation program. Key themes that emerged include decision making, membership, works plans, rates and charges, financial records, investigation and enforcement powers, winding up and how schemes will transition under the Water Management Amendment Act 2010. We also received general feedback about the challenges faced by joint private works schemes.
Contact us
For further information and enquiries please email jpws@dpie.nsw.gov.au or call us on 1300 081 047.