Final strategy
The NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy was adopted in December 2025.
NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee joint consultation program
Given the inter-connectedness of the Murrumbidgee and NSW Murray regions, and the significant overlap in communities and stakeholder groups, joint consultation was undertaken and engagement outcomes have been consolidated across both regions.
This approach recognises the similarity of some issues so that stakeholders could provide integrated feedback.
Public consultation 2024
Consultation on the draft NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy was undertaken from 22 May until 14 July 2024 through a public exhibition. Through consultation papers, the department sought feedback on regional priorities and shortlisted actions.
The department engaged with:
- Community members and organisations
- Region specific stakeholder groups
- Local councils and local water utilities
- Aboriginal stakeholders
- Peak organisations.
The strategy package included:
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 May 2024 | Draft Regional Water Strategy NSW Murray: Shortlisted Actions – Executive summary (PDF, 7.65 MB) |
| 01 May 2024 | Draft Regional Water Strategy NSW Murray: Shortlisted Actions – Consultation Paper (PDF, 34.92 MB) |
Supporting documents included:
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 May 2024 | NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee climate and hydrological baseline modelling report (PDF, 8.72 MB) |
| 01 May 2024 | NSW Murray options modelling report (PDF, 12.38 MB) |
| 01 May 2024 | Regional Water Strategy: NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee – Economic base case (PDF, 6.51 MB) |
| 01 May 2024 | NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee economic detailed assessment (PDF, 14.92 MB) |
What we heard
The department received 28 formal submissions and 116 people participated in engagement sessions.
Feedback indicated general support for the priority areas and most proposed actions. The feedback informed the priorities and action areas in the final NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy.
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 02 December 2025 | NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee What We Heard Report, Consultation 2024 (PDF, 16.72 MB) |
Submissions
Permission was received to publish several of the submissions. These are available upon request.
Public consultation 2023
Public and targeted consultation on revised challenges and climate hydrological modelling was undertaken from 4 October until 19 November 2023. Feedback was provided through a survey, webinars, submissions and targeted stakeholder meetings.
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 December 2022 | Draft NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy: Discussion Paper (PDF, 2.77 MB) |
| 01 December 2022 | Climate and hydrological modelling report (PDF, 4.67 MB) |
What we heard
Over 60 stakeholders participated in the engagement program and 19 formal submissions were received. Feedback received on the climate and hydrological modelling and draft regional challenges was used to shortlist actions.
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 May 2022 | NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategies: What we heard, Consultation 2023 (PDF, 6.09 MB) |
Submissions
Permission was received to publish several of the submissions. These are available upon request.
Public consultation 2022
Consultation was first undertaken from April until May 2022 to consider current and future water needs and water security risks for the region. The consultation documents included an analysis of regional challenges and opportunities as well as a long list of options that could address challenges and opportunities.
The strategy package included:
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 September 2025 | Regional Water Strategies: Guide (PDF, 3.48 MB) |
| 01 April 2022 | Draft Regional Water Strategy: NSW Murray (PDF, 32.63 MB) |
| 01 April 2022 | Draft Regional Water Strategy: NSW Murray options (PDF, 5.33 MB) |
A comprehensive engagement and consultation program accompanied the release of the draft strategy documents.
What we heard
Over 100 stakeholders participated in the engagement program and 41 formal submissions were received. The feedback received help refine key water challenges for the region.
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 December 2022 | NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategies: What we heard, Consultation 2022 (PDF, 16.16 MB) |
Submissions
Permission was received to publish several of the submissions. These are available upon request.
