Rural Water Use Strategy

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Freshwater is vital for the Tasmanian economy, environment, and way of life. 

There is a range of emerging challenges which will influence the future sustainable management of our freshwater resources. This includes the quality and availability of those water resources.

To address this the Rural Water Use Strate​gy has been developed. 

 Rural Water Use Strategy (PDF 2Mb)

This Strategy uses an approach that is collaborative, science-based, and long-term.

This approach ensures that Tasmania has a modern water management framework to deliver on the needs of our rural water users, rural communities, water-dependant industries, and environment. It also ensures these are sustainable in the face of a changing climate. 

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Cover image of the Implementation Plan 

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​Implementation plan​​​

The Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS) Implementation Plan 2025–27​ sets out the actions the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) will deliver over the next two years to strengthen Tasmania’s water security and support the long-term sustainability of the State’s water resources. 

 Rural Water Use Strategy Implementation Plan 2025-2027 (PDF 4Mb)

The RWUS provides the framework for managing Tasmania’s water to ensure it is used sustainably, equitably and productively. The Implementation Plan outlines how these goals will be achieved through targeted activities that improve water management, enhance science and data, and strengthen partnerships across government, industry and the community. 

The plan focuses on delivering practical actions across four key themes: 

  • Water infrastructure: planning and investment that supports sustainable agricultural growth and regional development. 
  • Information and data: improving access to water data and tools that support informed decision-making. 
  • Policy and regulation: reviewing and refining frameworks to ensure fair, efficient and transparent water management. 
  • Waterway health and quality: protecting the condition of Tasmania’s freshwater systems through monitoring and evidence-based management. 

Together, these actions progress the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to ensuring that water, one of the State’s most valuable natural assets, remains secure, sustainable and well managed for future generations. 

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​Cover image of the progress report

​Progress reporting​

The Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS) Progress Report 2025 provides an overview of the achievements made under the Strategy and the progress being delivered across Tasmania’s water sector. 

 Rural Water Use Strategy Progress Report 2025 (PDF 5Mb)

The report highlights how actions led by NRE Tas and its partners are improving water management, strengthening science and data, and supporting more sustainable and resilient water use across the State. 

Key achievements highlighted include: 

  • Water accountability: continued development of the Water Accountability Framework and risk assessment tools to guide fit-for-purpose, risk-based management. 
  • Science and monitoring: expansion of Tasmania’s groundwater monitoring network and new research partnerships to improve understanding of water availability and climate impacts. 
  • Community and stakeholder engagement: collaboration with industry, land managers and regional communities to support informed and responsible water use. 
  • Policy and planning: ongoing refinement of water policies and planning processes to ensure fair, transparent and sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources. 

The Progress Report 2025 demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to delivering practical outcomes that enhance water security and support a thriving agricultural sector, healthy ecosystems and strong regional communities. 

Progress on implementation is published annually.​

 Rural Water Use Strategy Progress Report 2024 (PDF 3Mb)

 Rural Water Use Strategy Progress Report 2023 (PDF 2Mb)

 Rural Water Use Strategy Report Card 2022 (PDF 1Mb)