Water resource plans

Important information: NSW submitted the 20 water resource plans in April and June 2020. The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) undertook their assessment between May 2020 and August 2021. The plans were withdrawn to address the issues raised by the MDBA.

NSW has now submitted all twenty plans between March and November 2022. These plans are undergoing review and assessment by the MDBA. As the plans move to formal accreditation assessment, and are ultimately accredited, they will be made available on the MDBA website. A link is provided for the respective plan on the Water Resource Plan Status page.

About the water resource plans

Water resource plans are a key feature of the Commonwealth Basin Plan 2012. In NSW, we have developed 20 water resource plans. This follows three years of public consultation and discussion with stakeholders and the community.

Each water resource plan area has different resources, environmental assets, development and geography. These things affect the management of water resources in each area.

Relying heavily on our NSW water sharing plans, the plans provide a clear framework and rule-set for managing NSW Basin water resources. This will benefit regional communities and water dependent industries. It will ensure we maintain healthy and resilient water ecosystems. These plans will help us to achieve the right balance of community, environmental, economic and cultural outcomes.