NRAR’s Progress Report summarises the achievements and activities of the independent water regulator with a focus on delivering outcomes for the people of NSW.
Our fourth annual progress report sees NRAR go beyond its start-up phase and enter a new chapter in water regulation with even greater emphasis on education and engagement activities that help people comply with NSW water law.
Highlights of this year’s report include:
- The setting of 2022-23 regulatory priorities to guide NRAR’s activities, including the ongoing roll out non-urban water metering reforms and more focus on water use in the irrigated agriculture and mining sectors.
- The transfer of NRAR’s licencing and approval functions to the Department of Planning and Environment - Water to improve and simplify pathways for water users.
- Successful court prosecutions including large fines for an unlawful irrigation canal, damage to environmentally sensitive land and for illegal water take at Brewarrina.
- Increasing use of far-reaching enforceable undertakings (legally binding agreements) to offset harm caused by breaches of the water law.
- Putting a dollar value on the state’s water allocations for the first time through a report that is changing the perception that water is a “free” resource.
