NRAR sets regulatory priorities and runs proactive projects. These projects may include new issues or longstanding noncompliant behaviour. Often these projects use a whole-agency approach and can be either statewide or targeted to a specific region.
We target areas or industries where we have reason to believe there could be a need. We utilise the expertise of our compliance teams together with data and intelligence to identify priority areas and set projects. Our officers do desktop assessments and visit properties. They use this information to determine how well water laws are being followed.
2024-25 regulatory priority projects
In 2024-25, our priority projects included water metering, and reporting at-risk groundwater sources. Addressing unauthorised structures remains an enduring priority for NRAR, and we also contributed to the NSW Government’s Improving Floodplain Connections campaign.
You can read our priority project reports by visiting the links below.
Water metering report
In 2024-25 water metering remained a key focus for NRAR. We built on last year's progress and worked to ensure water users follow the rules.
Reporting at risk ground water sources
In 2024-25, the monthly metering reporting (MMR) campaign continued to focus on increasing the monthly reporting levels of meters in at risk areas
Improving floodplain connections
In 2024-25 we continued to support the NSW Government's improving floodplain connections program.
Past campaign reports
2023-2024 priority projects and campaigns
In 2023- 24, our regulatory priorities included water metering, overdrawn accounts and irrigated agriculture. Addressing unauthorised structures remained an enduring priority for NRAR, and we contributed to the NSW Government’s Improving Floodplain Connections campaign.
Read the 2023-24 individual campaign reports here:
Improving floodplain connections (IFC) report
Monthly metering reporting (MMR) report
Water-take in horticulture in the Hawkesbury-Nepean basin campaign
The Water-take in Horticulture in the Hawkesbury-Nepean basin campaign assessed the level of compliance with conditions in water-access licences (WALs) and approvals within the horticulture sector in the Hawkesbury-Nepean region.
Download and view the campaign report.
The lower Namoi and Macquarie s324 operation campaign
The lower Namoi and Macquarie s324 operation campaign assessed the level of compliance with a temporary water restriction in March 2019.
Download and view the campaign report.
The pilot Barwon, Darling campaign
The pilot Barwon, Darling campaign assessed compliance with water rules in September 2019.
Download and view the campaign report.