New working groups meet as WaterNSW talks pricing

The groups – representing a range of water user groups, customers and community members – have been established jointly by WaterNSW and the Department of Planning and Environment (Water) in the lead up to the IPART pricing determination for 2025-30.

Membership registrations remain open for the four working groups representing all parts of the state - Southern, Northern, Central and Coastal valleys – which will meet five times, starting this week, through to March next year.

The groups will help inform the preparation of the WaterNSW pricing proposal to IPART for rural and metro (Greater Sydney) bulk water, as well as charges for the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC), which manages the costs for water planning and sharing, compliance and groundwater services.

The working groups are one of several new approaches intended  to reach a wider range of water users and stakeholders to provide greater input into the development of the WaterNSW submission to IPART. This also includes an online survey that has already attracted hundreds of responses.

Since commencing active consultation 10 months ago, WaterNSW has been speaking to its customer advisory groups, attending field days across the state, and conferring with peak industry bodies such as the NSW Irrigators’ Council, and Rice Growers’ Association.

WaterNSW executive director corporate affairs, Clair Cameron said the introduction of the working groups brings a valuable range of experiences and perspectives to what is the most extensive consultation program ever conducted by WaterNSW.

“Membership of these groups ranges from irrigators and industry right through to recreational users, local councils and environmental groups. Importantly membership has not closed, and we welcome additional participants to what is the most important discussions we can have before water prices are set for the 2025-30 period,” Ms Cameron said.

“In our submission we want to ensure we are taking into account priorities for our customers and other users. We also want to use that feedback to help us prioritise what we seek funding for.”

To participate in the working groups please make contact via engagement@waternsw.com.au