The NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee regions are interconnected. The NSW Murray region runs along the southern border of NSW from the Snowy River valley on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range to the far west. While the Murrumbidgee region lies west of the Great Dividing Range in southern NSW. Water management arrangements across both catchments are uniquely linked and a significant work program is being delivered.
Key projects and progress in developing the strategies during the 2024-25 period:
- A third round of public consultation for the development of the NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy and the Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy was completed during the reporting year. Over 150 people participated in public webinars, public information sessions and targeted stakeholder meetings to provide their feedback on the regional priorities and shortlisted actions proposed in the final strategy package.
- The department received 28 submissions and engaged with:
- community members and organisations
- region specific stakeholder groups
- local councils and local water utilities
- Aboriginal stakeholders
- peak organisations.
- The department has also consulted with partner agencies, and all feedback will inform the final strategies.
- Both regions’ strategies are supported by advanced climate and hydrological modelling including climate scenario modelling that will inform water management planning.
Water sharing plan remakes:
- Several water sharing plan remakes progressed during the reporting period. Water sharing plans set the rules for how water in NSW is shared between water users and the environment. The review and update of plans provide an opportunity for new climate data and key water management issues to be considered.
- Water sharing plans for the Murray Unregulated River Water Sources and the Lower Murray-Darling Unregulated River Water Source were remade in 2024. The plans were updated to simplify and modernise its drafting, make the intent of its provisions clear, and improve its legal robustness.
- Significant progress has also been made on the remaking of the Water Sharing Plan for the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2012.
- Planning has also commenced with the scoping of key issues for the NSW Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources and the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source water sharing plans and consultation will be undertaken with water users and stakeholders as each plan is further developed.
Reconnecting River Country Program:
- Work continues on this Murray-Darling Basin initiative to create healthier functioning river systems in the NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee regions.
- During the reporting year, the final business case for the Murrumbidgee Project was supported by the Australian Government. The final business case recommends an upper flow limit and outlines investment needed for delivery. The Murrumbidgee project will be delivered in 2 phases.
- A range of flow limits are being considered for the Murray region and NSW is working with Basin governments on next steps for a future project in the Murray.
Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM):
- Five SDLAM projects across the NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee regions received additional Australian Government funding and extended time to deliver water infrastructure to support rivers, communities, wetlands and wildlife.
- Additionally, during the reporting year the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Basin governments supported two new SDLAM supply measures across the regions that will improve the way rivers are managed. Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects are scheduled for delivery by December 2026.
Improving the health of the upper Murrumbidgee catchment:
- Ongoing river restoration activities will continue with support provided by the Australian Government’s Restoring the upper Murrumbidgee River Program.
- Funding is being delivered through a Federal Funding Agreement, with NSW Government receiving $7.58 million for projects to mitigate the impact of infrastructure on native fish, river restoration projects and studies to address scientific knowledge gaps. Projects will be delivered by NSW Local Land Services in conjunction with department and other key research partners.