A NSW Government website

We may enter into an enforceable undertaking as an alternative to court proceedings or other potential charges.

If a company or a person significantly breaks water laws, they may suggest an enforceable undertaking to us (NRAR).

An enforceable undertaking is a legally binding agreement. It is between NRAR and the person or the company that proposes the undertaking.

An enforceable undertaking must offer actions to address laws that were broken. It must also acknowledge the wrongdoing. The specific activities outlined in the undertaking must be carried out. The activities may be substantial.

Before deciding to accept an enforceable undertaking, we review;

  1. the nature and seriousness of the broken laws
  2. the compliance history of the company or person.

We will only consider an enforceable undertaking if it's the best regulatory option. It must also serve the public interest.

Download the NRAR Enforceable Undertaking Guidelines

To propose an enforceable undertaking, please contact us via eucoordination@nrar.nsw.gov.au.

Case studies

Tahmoor Coal Pty Ltd

Compensation of $200,000 and a strict water monitoring and reporting regime are among the actions to be carried out by a mining company.

Image of Simec Coal Tahmoor

Illawarra Coal Holdings Pty Ltd

Mining company to contribute millions towards a community project after allegedly taking surface water without a licence over a five-year

Dendrobium Mine

Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Miner to install meters and report on water use after allegedly unlawfully capturing surface water.

Google Earth image of Boggabri Coal Operation

Lachlan Valley Farms

An almond farming enterprise in the Riverina avoided prosecution by self-reporting its non-compliance to NRAR.

Image of almonds in their husks.

Lower Namoi irrigator, Pian Jabiru Pty Ltd

North-western NSW irrigator and cotton grower enters EU with NRAR after allegedly exceeding their bore extraction limit from the Lower Namoi

Image of Namoi River at YellowBanks

Overdrawn account in Carrathool

This landowner ignored the rules by overdrawing their water account. Find out how NRAR responded with an enforceable undertaking.

Satellite image showing the property near Carrathool where water account was overdrawn

Pegela Pty Ltd

Mayfield Garden enters EU with NRAR after allegedly operating bores without the correct approvals.

Pegela Pty Ltd enforceable undertaking

Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd

Dairy Farm in South-West Sydney enters into significant EU with NRAR after alleged unauthorised dam construction and water take.

A group of dairy cows

Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd

Whitehaven Coal-owned mine to take steps outlined in EU with NRAR after unlawfully taking water.

Satellite map of Maules creek.

PGH Bricks and Pavers Pty Ltd

Company enters EU with NRAR after capturing water without a licence. Read about how unlawful water was repurposed.

PGH Bricks enforceable undertaking