The Department has reached a significant milestone in delivering on Tasmania’s Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS), with the release of the Implementation Plan 2025–27 and the Progress 2025 Report.
First launched in 2021, the RWUS provides a framework for how Tasmania manages its water resources to ensure they are used sustainably, equitably and productively. It brings together government, industry, and the community to strengthen water management through better data, science, planning and collaboration.
Since its release, more than $60 million has been invested by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments in water infrastructure, monitoring, science and planning initiatives that support the goals of the Strategy.
The Progress Report 2025 captures what has been achieved so far under the Rural Water Use Strategy, delivering on the commitments made in 2021 and expanding the program through the new Implementation Plan 2025–27. It highlights major advances across water accountability, science, groundwater monitoring, policy reform and partnerships.
The report demonstrates how the Strategy continues to translate planning into action through:
Implementation of the Water Accountability Framework to improve transparency and fairness.
Expansion of groundwater and surface water monitoring networks.
Collaborative research to improve hydrological data and modelling.
Engagement with communities and industry on water security and sustainability.
Building on these outcomes, the Implementation Plan 2025–27 sets the direction for the next two years of work. It details the actions that will continue to strengthen Tasmania’s water management systems, respond to emerging challenges, and deliver practical, long-term benefits for industry, communities and the environment. Key areas of focus include:
Advancing the development of risk-based and fit-for-purpose water accountability tools and reporting systems.
Continuing work on groundwater and surface water monitoring and data improvements.
Reviewing and modernising policy and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable water use.
Supporting research partnerships that improve understanding of climate variability and water availability.
Strengthening engagement and collaboration with regional communities and industry.
This achievement reflects the collective effort and dedication of staff across the Water teams whose expertise and collaboration continue to drive the delivery of the Rural Water Use Strategy.
The commitment and hard work of everyone involved are helping to build a more resilient and sustainable water future for Tasmania.
You can read both documents on our website’s Rural Water Use Strategy pages.