Why NRAR was created

Eight years ago, the NSW Government commissioned a review of water regulation following an ABC Four Corners broadcast that alleged widespread unlawful water take and poor oversight within parts of government.

Three significant inquiries followed. They found serious problems with water law compliance and enforcement in NSW. Compliance activity was ineffective, enforcement was inconsistent, and the system was significantly under‑resourced. Importantly, public confidence in how water regulation was administered had been lost.

At the same time, research showed that communities and stakeholders strongly supported enforcing water laws. However, many people did not know who was responsible for enforcement, and roles across the system were unclear.

NRAR was created to address these issues by establishing a regulator focused on efficient, effective, and transparent water regulation, and on restoring confidence in how water laws are administered.

Eight years of building a stronger regulator

Over the past eight years, NRAR has evolved into a capable and effective regulator. The foundations built in our early years now support sophisticated regulatory tools, skilled enforcement capability, and a targeted approach that delivers real compliance outcomes.

We now have:

• a larger, highly skilled workforce
• access to advanced surveillance, monitoring and analytical tools
• improved satellite imagery and remote sensing technology, increasing both detection and evidence accuracy
• a visible compliance presence, with officers operating across NSW

As an independent regulator, NRAR uses an intelligence‑led and risk‑based approach to regulate water use. We act in the public interest, protect our independence, and have helped rebuild confidence that water rules are important and enforced.

What the evidence shows

Independent community research and compliance data show how effective NRAR is in regulating water resources across NSW.

• Stronger enforcement outcomes
  Over the past eight years, NRAR has taken more than 3,200 enforcement actions. This shows a steady and focused approach to making sure water laws are followed. During this time, metering compliance for large water users increased from 0% to 69%. And confidence that water laws are being enforced also rose, with community confidence increasing from 56% to 77%.
• Sustained education and engagement
  Education and engagement are a key part of NRAR’s compliance work. NRAR has held 42 field days, spoken directly with water users through more than 1,000 meaningful conversations, participated in 389 face-to-face meetings, and supported nearly 2,000 enrolments in online compliance courses. This work helps water users better understand the rules and encourages people to follow them before enforcement action is needed.
• Shifts in attitudes toward compliance
  Attitudes toward following water laws have become stronger. Today, 83% of licence holders say it is never acceptable to break the rules. This shows that clearer rules, visible regulation and consistent enforcement are helping to improve compliance behaviour over time.

A regulator that continues to evolve

NRAR’s role continues to adapt as water, climate conditions and community expectations change.

The focus remains on:

• targeting the highest risks
• encouraging compliance through education
• taking proportionate enforcement action where required
• demonstrating with evidence that regulation is having a positive impact.