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 proposes an approach that is: 

  • collaborative

  • science-based

  • long-term 

This approach will ensure that Tasmania has a modern water management framework to deliver on the needs of our: 

  • rural water users

  • rural communities

  • water-dependant industries

  • environment

And will ensure these are sustainable in the face of a changing climate. 

Implementation plan​​

The Rural Water Use Strategy comprises of 4 key goals and 32 actions, aimed to guide the future water management arrangements in Tasmania. To facilitate the delivery of the Strategy, an Implementation Plan has been developed, outlining a schedule of activities spanning from 2022 to 2025.

 Rural Water Use Strategy Implementation Plan 2022 (PDF 1Mb)

Progress reporting​

In September 2024, NRE Tas released the third Rural Water Use Strategy Pro​gress Report, highlighting the significant progress made in implementing the outlined activities since the release of the Strategy: 

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

With the ongoing implementation of the Strategy and the collective efforts of all involved, we are confident that Tasmania's freshwater resources will be effectively managed and safeguarded for future generations. ​​

Headline Activities Underway:

​​​RWUS Water Accountability Review button​  Water Accountability Project
Catchment Yield Science Update RWUS​​   Catchment Yield Science Update
Groundwater assessment RWUS icon​   Groundwater Assessment
Hydrological Monitoring Network Review RWUS icon   Hydrological Monitoring Network Review
Healthy waterways RWUS icon​   Healthy Waterways
Statewide Water Quality Monitoring Program RWUS icon​   Water Q​uality Monitoring Program