Each October, National Water Week gives us a reason to celebrate something truly vital - water. It’s our lifeblood, connecting every farm, every community, and every catchment across the State. This year’s theme, “Bring Water into Focus,” is a perfect reminder that water security doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because people care, plan, and act with purpose.
At NRE Tas, that purpose is front and centre through the Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS), which is our long-term roadmap for managing Tasmania’s rural water sustainably, fairly, and transparently. The Strategy ensures every drop continues to support the State’s thriving agricultural industries, regional communities, and the natural environments we all depend on.
NRE Tas Director of Water Amanda Locatelli said water is at the heart of Tasmania’s prosperity.
“The Rural Water Use Strategy ensures we’re managing it wisely, fairly and transparently, not just for today, but for generations to come,” she said.
“Led by the Department’s Agriculture and Water Strategic Business Unit, the RWUS is all about strengthening how we plan, allocate, and manage water resources, ensuring that our decisions are based on sound science, accurate data, and long-term thinking.
“Through the Strategy, NRE Tas is helping Tasmania to:
Improve accountability and transparency in how water is licensed and used.
Invest in modern systems and infrastructure that boost reliability and resilience.
Support innovation and efficiency on farms and in regional networks.
Build strong partnerships across government, industry, and the community to ensure everyone has a voice in shaping our shared water future.
“Through innovation, strong data and collaboration, we’re building a water future that’s resilient, reliable and ready for change.”
In collaboration with water users, NRE Tas is ensuring the State stays ahead in how we value and manage this precious resource.
Bringing it all together with National Water Week
National Water Week is our annual moment to step back and appreciate what that work means in practice. Across the country, and right here in Tasmania, schools, community groups, and workplaces will be celebrating the role water plays in our lives.
For NRE Tas, it’s also a chance to celebrate our people: the planners, hydrographers, policy teams, operations crews, and scientists who keep Tasmania’s water systems running safely and sustainably every day. Their dedication, which is often behind the scenes, ensures water users can rely on fair access, accurate data, and healthy waterways.
“National Water Week reminds us that water connects us all, from the farm gate to the kitchen tap. It’s a celebration of the people and partnerships keeping Tasmania’s water future secure,” Ms Locatelli said.
Every drop matters
As pressures grow from climate variability and increasing demand, the way we manage water today will shape what’s possible tomorrow. That’s what makes the link between National Water Week and the RWUS so powerful: one builds awareness, the other delivers action.
Together, they reflect a simple truth: when we plan with care, act with foresight, and work together, Tasmania’s water future looks bright.
So, this National Water Week, take a moment to celebrate the people of NRE Tas who are driving positive change across the Department. Every insight, every innovation, and every drop really does make a difference.