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

  • 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

  • environment

And ensures these are sustainable in the face of a changing climate. ​

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Implementation plan​​​​

The Implementation Plan sets out a four-year schedule of activities to progress the actions outlined in the Rural Water Use Strategy and improve the security, quality and resilience of our water resources over the long-term.
  • The plan focuses on four key initiatives:
  • Developing sustainable water infrastructure.
  • Enhanced information and data that supports water managers, business and the community to make informed decisions.
  • Reviewing and refreshing water management policy settings to get the balance right.
  • Looking after the health of our freshwater waterways and water quality.
The Implementation Plan lists in detail the actions the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) will undertake to drive the implementation of the Strategy.

Progress reporting​

The third Rural Water Use Strategy Pro​gress Report released in September 2024, highlights the significant progress made in implementing the outlined activities during 2023-2024: 

 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. ​​


Progress on implementation is published annually.

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

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