Published in November 2022, the Gwydir Regional Water Strategy sets out a long-term vision for the sustainable management of water resources in the Gwydir region of northern inland New South Wales. It recognises that secure, reliable and resilient water sources are essential to the wellbeing of towns, agriculture, the environment, and Aboriginal communities.
Developed through extensive consultation, the strategy draws on the latest climate modelling, hydrological analysis and community input to guide how the region can adapt to a more variable future climate. It identifies three key priorities:
- water for critical human and environmental needs
- sustainable water resources for new and existing users
- best use of existing water for the environment.
The Gwydir Regional Water Strategy is delivering actions to strengthen water security and reliability across the valley. The strategy identifies 42 initiatives to respond to immediate and emerging challenges for towns, agriculture, Aboriginal communities and the environment. To date, 29% of initiatives have been completed, 32% are in progress, and 24% have transitioned into ongoing organisational functions. This work is improving planning, addressing key knowledge gaps, and supporting drought preparedness.
Key areas of progress to date include:
Water for critical human and environmental needs
- Active leak detection – Moree: A targeted program of leak detection in Moree was completed in 2023 and repeated in 2025, improving the town’s water efficiency and security.
- Warialda water licence upgrade: The department is partnering with Gwydir Shire Council to secure a higher-security water licence for Warialda, supporting the town’s resilience and future growth.
- Improving river connectivity: Work continues under the Northern Basin Connectivity Program to strengthen flow connections between the Gwydir and the Barwon–Darling systems, supporting river health and fish migration.
Sustainable water resources for new and existing users
- Unregulated Flow Management Plan review: The review of the Northwest Unregulated Flow Management Plan is underway. Updated hydrologic and economic assessments are helping guide planning for fair access, security and environmental outcomes.
- Urban stormwater harvesting policy: The Gwydir region is helping pilot a new NSW policy that will enable towns to capture and reuse urban runoff, boosting local water supply and sustainability.
Best use of existing water for the environment
- Floodplain harvesting licensing: The NSW Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) continues to oversee compliance for floodplain harvesting in the Gwydir Valley, ensuring activities align with sustainable limits.
- Extreme Events Policy and drought management: WaterNSW has completed the drought management plan for the regulated Gwydir River, supported by an updated Extreme Events Policy to improve drought resilience.
- Sustainable farming recognition: The Sustainability Credential Program (2018–2023) recognised farms using best-practice land and water management. Its legacy continues through community partnerships.
- Floodplain connections: The Improving Floodplain Connections Program (completed June 2025) strengthened river–floodplain connectivity, improving both flow regimes and ecosystem health.