Alluvium, in partnership with Vista Advisory, conducted an audit of 25 Water Sharing Plans (WSPs) across New South Wales under Section 44 of the NSW Water Management Act 2000. These plans set essential rules for water extraction and access, ensuring water resources are managed sustainably for towns, irrigators, and the environment. The audit aimed to evaluate whether these provisions were effectively implemented across the state.

The project involved auditing over a third of the state’s WSPs, covering a large geographic area and thousands of water licence holders within a tight 8-month timeframe. Alluvium developed a structured, risk-based approach, starting with pilot audits to better understand systems and improve efficiency in later stages. The audit team conducted over 80 interviews with key agencies, including DPIE Water, WaterNSW, and NRAR.

The audit produced over 100 recommendations for enhancing transparency, strengthening regulatory practices, and improving the effectiveness of future WSPs. These insights will guide the future development and management of water sharing plans in New South Wales, ensuring long-term water security.