The NSW Government has released the Murray and Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategies, setting the foundations for improved river health, long-term supply and stronger Murrumbidgee water security.
The strategies outline the actions needed to support regional communities facing hotter, drier and more variable conditions, as well as growing demand across southern NSW.
Developed in close consultation with local councils, Aboriginal communities, irrigators and environmental groups, the strategies map out how the regions can build resilience through improved planning, investment and adaptive management. The plans cover major population centres including Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Queanbeyan, Albury, Deniliquin, Moama and Jindabyne.
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How the strategies support regional water security
The strategies set out practical measures to strengthen reliability while reducing vulnerability during dry periods. These include supporting local water utilities to improve water efficiency, reduce leakage, expand conservation programs and invest in more resilient supply systems. The work is supported by new climate data and hydrological modelling, enabling more accurate planning for future water availability.
They also align with commitments made in the NSW Alternatives to Buybacks Plan, which aims to minimise social and economic impacts on regional communities while meeting Basin Plan obligations through targeted investment rather than broad water recovery.
The actions also support cultural access to water and expand opportunities for Aboriginal communities to take part in water management. Enhanced environmental flow delivery, improved fish passage and continued work under the Reconnecting River Country Program will support healthier river systems while meeting supply needs.
NSW DCCEEW Acting Executive Director Strategies and Policy, Madeleine Mispel, said the timing was critical.
“This is about delivering ongoing safe, reliable and sustainable water resources for the NSW Murray and Murrumbidgee regions, now and for generations to come,” she said.
Mispel said the regions are under significant pressure due to drought.
“It’s never been more critical to have a clear, evidence-based pathway to put these towns in a stronger position to manage their water resources during climate extremes.”
She said the strategies are backed by advanced climate modelling.
“Advanced climate data and hydrological modelling underpin these regional water strategies – a first of its kind for NSW – giving us powerful tools to plan, manage and deliver water more effectively across the regions.”
A complete suite of strategies for NSW
The release of the final Murray and Murrumbidgee strategies completes the state’s commitment to deliver 12 regional and two metropolitan water strategies. Each strategy includes a five-year implementation plan outlining how actions will be tracked and delivered.
Together, they form a statewide blueprint for protecting supply, strengthening Murrumbidgee water security and improving the resilience of communities and industries in a changing climate.