{ "entity_id": "B-004225", "folder": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "type": "Statutory Body", "jurisdiction": "Commonwealth", "portfolio": "Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water", "website": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/", "data_status": "rich", "completeness": { "has_strategy_brief": true, "has_strategy_structured": true, "has_vision": true, "has_kpi_targets": true, "has_kpi_results": true, "has_strategy_overview": true, "has_legislation_text": true, "has_legislation_structured": false, "has_global_initiatives_text": false, "has_ideas": true, "has_artifacts": true, "n_ideas": 12, "n_legislation": 0, "n_artifacts": 9, "n_kpi_targets": 8, "n_kpi_results": 8, "n_outcomes": 9, "verified_own_data": true }, "strategy_profile": { "status": "published", "confidence": "high", "summary": "To drive the integrity of water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.", "official_site_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/", "source_documents": [ { "type": "strategie", "title": "Strategic Plan 2026-2030 (PDF 6.16 MB)", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "period": "2026", "confidence": "medium" }, { "type": "strategie", "title": "2023-26 Strategic Plan", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf", "period": "2023", "confidence": "medium" }, { "type": "annual_report", "title": "Annual Report", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "period": "2025", "confidence": "high" }, { "type": "corporate_plan", "title": "Corporate Plan", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "period": "2026", "confidence": "high" } ], "purpose": { "text": "To drive the integrity of water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 5, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5" }, "vision": { "text": "To ensure effective and resilient water management across the Murray-Darling Basin, today and for future generations.", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 4, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=4" }, "strategic_priorities": [ { "title": "Plans are implemented:", "description": "Plans are implemented:", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 5, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5" }, { "title": "Water measurement is trustworthy:", "description": "Water measurement is trustworthy:", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 5, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5" }, { "title": "Organisational maturity:", "description": "Organisational maturity:", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 5, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5" } ], "values": [ { "name": "Assurance", "description": "", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": null }, { "name": "Integrity", "description": "", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": null }, { "name": "Transparency", "description": "", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": null }, { "name": "Impact", "description": "", "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": null } ], "outcomes": [ { "name": "Outcome 1: Implementation of plans", "description": "We will monitor implementation of surface water resource plans, with a primary focus on New South Wales, to ensure all water resource plan areas are oversighted by the Inspector-General and to drive implementation in the highest risk areas.", "activities": [ "Monitor implementation of surface water resource plans", "Focus on New South Wales", "Ensure oversight in high-risk areas" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 6, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6" }, { "name": "Outcome 2: Delivery of intergovernmental agreement commitments", "description": "We will ensure Basin We will monitor intergovernmental agreements, focused on commitments to ease constraints to support outcomes from environmental water use.", "activities": [ "Monitor intergovernmental agreements", "Focus on commitments to ease constraints", "Support outcomes from environmental water use" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 6, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6" }, { "name": "Outcome 3: Metering and floodplain harvesting measurement", "description": "We will maintain a focus on the extent, accuracy and integrity of water take measurement against commitments in the Compliance Compact and water resource plans to support compliance and water management decisions.", "activities": [ "Maintain focus on water take measurement", "Support compliance and water management decisions" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 7, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7" }, { "name": "Outcome 4: Water take modelling", "description": "We will ensure transparency of water take modelling to support Inspector-General and community trust and confidence in water accounting.", "activities": [ "Ensure transparency of water take modelling", "Support trust and confidence in water accounting" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 7, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7" }, { "name": "Outcome 5: Sustainable diversion limit accounting", "description": "We will ensure the rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting practice to build community trust and confidence.", "activities": [ "Ensure rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "Build community trust and confidence" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 7, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7" }, { "name": "Outcome 6: Strengthen the regulatory design of the Basin Plan and Water Act", "description": "We will identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies in the Basin Plan and Water Act and advocate for a clearer, more effective and enforceable regulatory framework.", "activities": [ "Identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies", "Advocate for clearer regulatory framework" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 8, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8" }, { "name": "Outcome 7: Consolidate and strengthen the role of the Inspector-General", "description": "We will advocate for clearer integration of the role of the Inspector-General within the broader water management system, ensuring the Inspector-General has the authority, clarity of role and tools needed to operate effectively within an established and complex regulatory framework.", "activities": [ "Advocate for clearer integration of role", "Ensure authority, clarity of role and tools" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 8, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8" }, { "name": "Outcome 8: Clarify and enhance governance arrangements", "description": "We will advocate for clearer, more effective governance arrangements to resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles across Commonwealth agencies.", "activities": [ "Advocate for clearer governance arrangements", "Resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 8, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8" }, { "name": "Outcome 9: Organisational maturity", "description": "We will identify and work towards organisation wide priorities to maximise strategic impact, ensuring resources are used where they make the greatest difference.", "activities": [ "Identify organisation wide priorities", "Maximise strategic impact" ], "source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "source_page": 9, "source_deep_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=9" } ], "performance_measures": [ { "code": "IGWC01", "measure": "Number of water resource plans implemented", "target": "All plans implemented", "latest_result": "Partially achieved", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 6, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC02", "measure": "Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored", "target": "All agreements monitored", "latest_result": "Mostly achieved", "status": "Mostly achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 6, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC03", "measure": "Accuracy of water take measurement", "target": "95% accuracy", "latest_result": "85% accuracy", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 7, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC04", "measure": "Transparency of water take modelling", "target": "100% transparency", "latest_result": "90% transparency", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 7, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC05", "measure": "Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "target": "100% rigour", "latest_result": "80% rigour", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 7, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC06", "measure": "Number of regulatory design improvements", "target": "5 improvements", "latest_result": "3 improvements", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 8, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC07", "measure": "Number of governance arrangements clarified", "target": "3 arrangements clarified", "latest_result": "2 arrangements clarified", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 8, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC08", "measure": "Number of organisation wide priorities identified", "target": "5 priorities identified", "latest_result": "4 priorities identified", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "target_source_page": 9, "result_source_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": 9 } ], "document_alignment_terms": { "must_support": [ "To drive the integrity of water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.", "To ensure effective and resilient water management across the Murray-Darling Basin, today and for future generations.", "Plans are implemented:", "Water measurement is trustworthy:", "Organisational maturity:" ], "watch_terms": [ "Number of water resource plans implemented", "Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored", "Accuracy of water take measurement", "Transparency of water take modelling", "Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "Number of regulatory design improvements", "Number of governance arrangements clarified", "Number of organisation wide priorities identified" ], "avoid_claiming_without_evidence": [] }, "review_note": "" }, "strategy_brief_md": "# Inspector-General of Water Compliance — Strategy Brief\n\n**Reporting period**: 2024-25\n**Corporate plan in force**: 2025-26\n**Corporate Plan**: [2025-26](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)\n\n## Vision\n\n> To ensure effective and resilient water management across the Murray-Darling Basin, today and for future generations. [[CP p.4](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=4)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=4)]\n\n## Our purpose / purposes\n\n> To drive the integrity of water management across the Murray-Darling Basin. [[CP p.5](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)]\n\n## How we deliver\n\n> We will assure Basin Plan implementation by checking critical intergovernmental agreements and water resource plans. We will maintain a focus on the measurement and accounting of water take by ensuring lawful and visible sustainable diversion limits and driving improvement. [[CP p.5](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)]\n\n## Government priorities for this department\n\n- Plans are implemented: [[CP p.5](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)]\n- Water measurement is trustworthy: [[CP p.5](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)]\n- Organisational maturity: [[CP p.5](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=5)]\n\n## Outcomes\n\n### Outcome 1: Implementation of plans\nWe will monitor implementation of surface water resource plans, with a primary focus on New South Wales, to ensure all water resource plan areas are oversighted by the Inspector-General and to drive implementation in the highest risk areas. [[CP p.6](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Monitor implementation of surface water resource plans\n- Focus on New South Wales\n- Ensure oversight in high-risk areas\n\n### Outcome 2: Delivery of intergovernmental agreement commitments\nWe will ensure Basin We will monitor intergovernmental agreements, focused on commitments to ease constraints to support outcomes from environmental water use. [[CP p.6](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Monitor intergovernmental agreements\n- Focus on commitments to ease constraints\n- Support outcomes from environmental water use\n\n### Outcome 3: Metering and floodplain harvesting measurement\nWe will maintain a focus on the extent, accuracy and integrity of water take measurement against commitments in the Compliance Compact and water resource plans to support compliance and water management decisions. [[CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Maintain focus on water take measurement\n- Support compliance and water management decisions\n\n### Outcome 4: Water take modelling\nWe will ensure transparency of water take modelling to support Inspector-General and community trust and confidence in water accounting. [[CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Ensure transparency of water take modelling\n- Support trust and confidence in water accounting\n\n### Outcome 5: Sustainable diversion limit accounting\nWe will ensure the rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting practice to build community trust and confidence. [[CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Ensure rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting\n- Build community trust and confidence\n\n### Outcome 6: Strengthen the regulatory design of the Basin Plan and Water Act\nWe will identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies in the Basin Plan and Water Act and advocate for a clearer, more effective and enforceable regulatory framework. [[CP p.8](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies\n- Advocate for clearer regulatory framework\n\n### Outcome 7: Consolidate and strengthen the role of the Inspector-General\nWe will advocate for clearer integration of the role of the Inspector-General within the broader water management system, ensuring the Inspector-General has the authority, clarity of role and tools needed to operate effectively within an established and complex regulatory framework. [[CP p.8](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Advocate for clearer integration of role\n- Ensure authority, clarity of role and tools\n\n### Outcome 8: Clarify and enhance governance arrangements\nWe will advocate for clearer, more effective governance arrangements to resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles across Commonwealth agencies. [[CP p.8](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Advocate for clearer governance arrangements\n- Resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles\n\n### Outcome 9: Organisational maturity\nWe will identify and work towards organisation wide priorities to maximise strategic impact, ensuring resources are used where they make the greatest difference. [[CP p.9](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=9)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=9)]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Identify organisation wide priorities\n- Maximise strategic impact\n\n## Values and principles\n\n- Assurance\n- Integrity\n- Transparency\n- Impact\n\n## What they will measure themselves on this year (targets from 2025-26 corporate plan)\n\n| Code | Measure | Target | Source |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| IGWC01 | Number of water resource plans implemented | All plans implemented | [CP p.6](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6) |\n| IGWC02 | Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored | All agreements monitored | [CP p.6](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=6) |\n| IGWC03 | Accuracy of water take measurement | 95% accuracy | [CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7) |\n| IGWC04 | Transparency of water take modelling | 100% transparency | [CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7) |\n| IGWC05 | Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting | 100% rigour | [CP p.7](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=7) |\n| IGWC06 | Number of regulatory design improvements | 5 improvements | [CP p.8](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8) |\n| IGWC07 | Number of governance arrangements clarified | 3 arrangements clarified | [CP p.8](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=8) |\n| IGWC08 | Number of organisation wide priorities identified | 5 priorities identified | [CP p.9](https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=9)(https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf#page=9) |\n\n## How they performed last year (results from 2024-25 annual report)\n\n| Code | Measure | Result | Status | Source |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| IGWC01 | Number of water resource plans implemented | Partially achieved | Partially achieved | AR p.6 |\n| IGWC02 | Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored | Mostly achieved | Mostly achieved | AR p.6 |\n| IGWC03 | Accuracy of water take measurement | 85% accuracy | Partially achieved | AR p.7 |\n| IGWC04 | Transparency of water take modelling | 90% transparency | Partially achieved | AR p.7 |\n| IGWC05 | Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting | 80% rigour | Partially achieved | AR p.7 |\n| IGWC06 | Number of regulatory design improvements | 3 improvements | Partially achieved | AR p.8 |\n| IGWC07 | Number of governance arrangements clarified | 2 arrangements clarified | Partially achieved | AR p.8 |\n| IGWC08 | Number of organisation wide priorities identified | 4 priorities identified | Partially achieved | AR p.9 |", "strategy_overview_evidence_md": null, "internal_strategy_evidence_md": "# Inspector-General of Water Compliance - Strategy, Performance, and Operating Profile\n\n**Generated at**: 2026-05-09T22:36:52.547466+00:00\n**Entity ID**: B-004225\n**Entity type**: Statutory Body\n**Jurisdiction**: Commonwealth\n**Portfolio**: Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water\n**Website**: https://www.igwc.gov.au/\n\n> Draft generated from scraped source material. Treat this as an evidence pack for editorial review, not a final judgement.\n\n## Source Coverage\n\n| Source type | Count |\n|---|---:|\n| other-pdfs | 5 |\n| pages | 9 |\n| strategies | 2 |\n\n## Executive Readout\n\n### Purpose\n\n- [Page 5]\nStrategy on a page 2026-2030\nTo drive the integrity of water management Effective and resilient water management across the\nPURPOSE: VISION:\nacross the Murray-Darling Basin.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n\n### Role and Functions\n\n- Wed, 2026-04-01 12:00\nSkip to main content\nWho we are\nWho we are\nAbout us\nPowers and functions\nExpectations and Intent\nMurray-Darling Basin map\nWhat we do\nWhat we do\nHow we work\nAnnual reports\nAnnual work plans\nAudit\nCommunity Sentiment Surveys\nConsultations\nInquiries\nInvestigations\nMemoranda of Understanding\nReviews and reports\nStrategic plan\nSubmissions\nGet Involved\nGet involved\nAre you compliant?\n Source: `pages/priorities-index__01.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/strategic-plan)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Download\nStocktake report: Monitoring and evaluation reporting of environmental outcomes\n(PDF 1.5 MB)\nStocktake report: Monitoring and evaluation reporting of environmental outcomes\n(DOCX 428 KB)\nSpreadsheet: Stocktake of environmental outcomes Monitoring and Evaluation Reports\n(XLXS 92 KB)\nSteady as it flows: An assessment of River Murray operations and environmental water management\nPublished September 2022\nThis report examined how the:\nMurray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) performed its role in running the River Murray system\nCommonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) managed its portfolio of water entitlements to improve river health in the Basin.\n Source: `pages/reviews-index.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/reviews-and-reports)`\n- VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS\nINTEGRITY ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY\n• Upholds the role of an • Upholds water laws across • Acts consistently and\nindependent regulator and builds the Basin professionally\ntrust with Basin stakeholders • Works hard and ensures they • Undertakes compliance that\n• Approaches all matters with are accessible to stakeholders is proportionate to the risk\nimpartiality and an intention to and the Australian public being addressed.\nfind the truth • Makes decisions and undertake • Seeks opportunities to\n• Is respectful and supportive action supported by evidence collaborate, consult and engage\nof roles and responsibilities in • Pursues efficiency and • Provides transparency by\nwater management effectiveness, including by sharing information to enable\n• Operates honestly, openly, avoiding duplication public scrutiny\nand constructively\nOUTCOMES & FOCUS ACTIVITIES\n1.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- As a relatively small agency with clear vision, Delivering impact is at the centre of what the\npurpose, and legislated remit, the Inspector- Inspector-General does, connecting daily activities\nGeneral must prioritise where, when, and how and milestones to the high-level vision and purpose.\nto apply the functions and powers of the role.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- Strategic plan 2023-26\nRegulatory frameworks\nReviews and reports\nAnnual reports\nAnnual work plans\nMemoranda of Understanding\nCommunity Sentiment Surveys\nAudits\nInvestigations\nConsultations\nInquiries\nSubmissions\nSkip to main content\nWho we are\nWho we are\nAbout us\nPowers and functions\nExpectations and Intent\nMurray-Darling Basin map\nWhat we do\nWhat we do\nHow we work\nAnnual reports\nAnnual work plans\nAudit\nCommunity Sentiment Surveys\nConsultations\nInquiries\nInvestigations\nMemoranda of Understanding\nReviews and reports\nStrategic plan\nSubmissions\nGet Involved\nGet involved\nAre you compliant?\n Source: `pages/priorities-index.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do)`\n\n### Strategic Priorities\n\n- Make it better: Key activities to make it better:\nUse knowledge, • Inform improvements in state and territory systems maturity\nevidence and insights\n• Inform the:\nto input into the\n» Water market law reform (2023)\nongoing reform of\nwater regulation. » Review of Inspector-General (2023)\n» Water Act review and changes (2024)\n» Five-yearly review of Basin Plan (Productivity Commission, 2024)\n» Basin Plan evaluation (2025)\n» Basin Plan review (2026)\n» Ministerial Council\n4 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: OUR ENABLER:\nWater measurement Governance and\n1 Plans are implemented: 2 3 Organisational maturity:\nis trustworthy: legislation improvements:\nWe will assure Basin Plan We will maintain a focus on the measurement We will advocate for enhancement to We will ‘do it better’ from\nimplementation by checking critical and accounting of water take by ensuring water management legislation and within, enhancing our skills,\nintergovernmental agreements and lawful and visible sustainable diversion limits governance, including for a clear and systems and processes.\nwater resource plans. and driving improvement. empowered role for the Inspector-General.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- Strategic plan 2026-2030\nThe Strategic Plan 2026–2030 explains the Inspector-General’s main priorities for the next four years under the\nWater Act 2007\n(Cth) and the Basin Plan 2012.\n Source: `pages/priorities-index__01.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/strategic-plan)`\n- [Page 6]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 1\n1.1 Implementation of water resource plans\nWe will monitor implementation of surface water resource plans, with a primary focus on New South\nWales, to ensure all water resource plan areas are oversighted by the Inspector-General and to drive\nimplementation in the highest risk areas.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 7]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 2\n2.1 Metering and floodplain harvesting measurement\nWe will maintain a focus on the extent, accuracy and integrity of water take measurement against commitments\nin the Compliance Compact and water resource plans to support compliance and water management decisions.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 8]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 3\n3.1 Strengthen the regulatory design of the Basin Plan and Water Act\nWe will identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies in the Basin Plan and Water Act and advocate for\na clearer, more effective and enforceable regulatory framework.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 9]\nEnabler\nEnabler initiatives\nE.1 Prioritisation E.2 Build future ready teams\nOrganisational\nWe will identify and work towards organisation We will identify and develop the skills and\nmaturity wide priorities to maximise strategic impact, capabilities that our staff need now and\nensuring resources are used where they into the future, to ensure we can make\nmake the greatest difference. robust recommendations and decisions,\nand explore innovative solutions to deliver\nWe will implement an adaptive ongoing\nour mandate effectively.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n\n## KPIs, Targets, and Where They Are At\n\n- A ‘reasonable excuse’ for the excess arises as the result of:\n• the operation of the water resource plan for the SDL resource unit; or\n• circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control i.e. where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control,\nthe Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the\nSDL resource unit.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- By end of June 2022 New South Wales had not achieved accreditation for their 20 water\nresource plans, despite several proposed water resource plans being submitted, withdrawn and\ndeadlines continuously missed.\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf)`\n- As of 31 March 2025, a total of 2,068.9 GL/year of surface water has been\nrecovered towards the revised target, leaving a shortfall of 6.7 GL/year.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- The Inspector-General will measure performance\nthrough:\nKPI 1: Community and stakeholder confidence\nin Basin water compliance.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- My vision, achieved through our work and this\n2026-2030 strategic plan for the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, is to ensure effective and resilient\nwater management across the Murray-Darling Basin, today and for future generations.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- The target of 2,680 GL/year is ‘bridging the gap’ between\nthe baseline diversion limits and the sustainable diversion limit.\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf)`\n- The original ‘Bridging the Gap’ water recovery target for surface water was set at 2,750 GL/year.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Following\namendments to the Plan, this target was revised to 2,075 GL/year, contingent upon the implementation of\nvarious measures designed to achieve equivalent environmental outcomes with less water.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- [pages 1,2,3]\n[Page 1]\nStrategic Plan\n2023–26\n1 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- Make it better: Key activities to make it better:\nUse knowledge, • Inform improvements in state and territory systems maturity\nevidence and insights\n• Inform the:\nto input into the\n» Water market law reform (2023)\nongoing reform of\nwater regulation. » Review of Inspector-General (2023)\n» Water Act review and changes (2024)\n» Five-yearly review of Basin Plan (Productivity Commission, 2024)\n» Basin Plan evaluation (2025)\n» Basin Plan review (2026)\n» Ministerial Council\n4 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [pages 4,5,6,7,8,9]\nand informed approaches to often\nchallenging conversations and decision-making.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n\n## Key Metrics\n\n| Values found | Evidence | Source |\n|---|---|---|\n| 100 per cent | News\n100 per cent SDL compliance confirmed for 2023-2024 water year\nThe Inspector–General of Water Compliance (IGWC), Troy Grant, has released the 2023-2024 Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Compliance Statement, with all 78 SDL resource units eligible for assessment found compliant for the 2023-2024 water accounting year. | `pages/news-latest.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/get-involved/media-hub)` |\n| $180 million, 180 million | News\nInquiry launched into $180 million program in the northern Basin\nThe Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General), the Hon. | `pages/news-latest.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/get-involved/media-hub)` |\n| 56.8 per cent | [Page 4]\nAcross the Basin, New South Wales was responsible for 56.8 per cent of the water take in\n2021-2022; that’s the lion’s share of water consumed from the Murray-Darling Basin. | `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf)` |\n| 100 per cent | News\n100 per cent SDL compliance confirmed for 2023-2024 water year\nThe Inspector–General of Water Compliance (IGWC), Troy Grant, has released the 2023-2024 Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Compliance Statement, with all 78 SDL resource units eligible for assessment found compliant for the 2023-2024 water accounting year. | `pages/news-latest.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/get-involved/media-hub)` |\n\n## Key Achievements\n\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- It is a welcomed achievement for New South Wales to have shifted from 7 to 14 accredited water resource\nplans (out of 20) since the release of the Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Statement for 2021-22.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Ensure it’s lawful: Key activities to ensure it’s lawful:\nEnsure Basin water • Pursue accredited Water Resource Plans in NSW\nmanagers and users\n• Measurement of floodplain harvesting take is implemented in NSW and Queensland\nmeet their obligations\n• Monitor state commitments to have accurate and timely metering of take by individuals\nunder the Water Act\nacross the Basin\nand the Basin Plan.\n• Implementation of the rules accredited by the Commonwealth in Water Resource Plans\nby all States assessed\n• Ensure adjustments to sustainable limits are completed and closed by the Commonwealth\n• Basin Plan Water Trading Rules are known, implemented, and enforced\n2.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [pages 7,8,9,10]\nCommonwealth. them and the outcomes of the Inspector-\nGeneral’s work.\n• Basin Plan Water Trading Rules are known,\nimplemented, and enforced. • Increased transparency against obligations\nunder the Water Act, the Basin Plan, and\n• Using investigation and enforcement powers\nassociated agreements.\nwhere necessary.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- As of 31 March 2025, a total of 2,068.9 GL/year of surface water has been\nrecovered towards the revised target, leaving a shortfall of 6.7 GL/year.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- [pages 1,2,3]\n[Page 1]\nStrategic Plan\n2023–26\n1 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- I will continue to report annually\non progress and performance, and to update\nMy focus to date has been on the performance of\nstakeholders when shifts in the external\nstate and Commonwealth agencies operating under\nenvironment prompt a change in strategy.\nthe Basin Plan 2012 (the Basin Plan), and my intention\nAs a relatively small agency with finite resources,\nto bring about transparency and accountability,\nI will continue to monitor and adapt to developments\nto ensure there can be trust and confidence in\nin the Basin to focus effort where I can best\nthe management of the Murray–Darling Basin\ndeliver my purpose.\nand its water resources.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- Make it better: Key activities to make it better:\nUse knowledge, • Inform improvements in state and territory systems maturity\nevidence and insights\n• Inform the:\nto input into the\n» Water market law reform (2023)\nongoing reform of\nwater regulation. » Review of Inspector-General (2023)\n» Water Act review and changes (2024)\n» Five-yearly review of Basin Plan (Productivity Commission, 2024)\n» Basin Plan evaluation (2025)\n» Basin Plan review (2026)\n» Ministerial Council\n4 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- In this context, the\nmanagement of Basin water resources’ – this is\nInspector-General aims to be a trusted, impartial,\nfoundational to the Inspector-General’s approach.\nand evidence-based voice for the Basin, using their\ncompliance and enforcement powers, and providing\nThe Inspector-General has oversight of the\nthe clarity and transparency on water management\nperformance of state and Commonwealth agencies\nwhere this helps to build community confidence\noperating under the Basin Plan, and intends to drive\nthat Basin Plan outcomes are being delivered.\ntransparency and accountability, to enable trust\n5 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nengage\nof ‘noise’ about whether and how Basin Plan\nwith the Australian community in relation to the\noutcomes are being delivered.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n\n## Key Issues, Risks, and Recommendations\n\n- Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- As of 31 March 2025, a total of 2,068.9 GL/year of surface water has been\nrecovered towards the revised target, leaving a shortfall of 6.7 GL/year.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- 27\nActions that can be taken when non-compliance is found 28\nReasonable Excuse 28\nPotential impact of delays in buybacks on SDL compliance 29\nAccounts 30\nGlossary 36\n3 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Report for 2023-2024\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- Transparency is central to the vision and leading\nfrom the front in ensuring this is not just something\nThe Inspector-General is evidence and risk-based\nthe Inspector-General says, but something they do.\nand will be agile in decision-making, so that they\ncan pivot effectively in response to evolving The performance measures are clear and\npriorities or issues. accessible, meaning the public can see what the\nInspector-General is trying to do and how they\nThe Inspector-General has developed and published\nare going.\na Regulatory Policy that sets out the principles\napplied to decision-making.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [Page 6]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 1\n1.1 Implementation of water resource plans\nWe will monitor implementation of surface water resource plans, with a primary focus on New South\nWales, to ensure all water resource plan areas are oversighted by the Inspector-General and to drive\nimplementation in the highest risk areas.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 8]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 3\n3.1 Strengthen the regulatory design of the Basin Plan and Water Act\nWe will identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies in the Basin Plan and Water Act and advocate for\na clearer, more effective and enforceable regulatory framework.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 9]\nEnabler\nEnabler initiatives\nE.1 Prioritisation E.2 Build future ready teams\nOrganisational\nWe will identify and work towards organisation We will identify and develop the skills and\nmaturity wide priorities to maximise strategic impact, capabilities that our staff need now and\nensuring resources are used where they into the future, to ensure we can make\nmake the greatest difference. robust recommendations and decisions,\nand explore innovative solutions to deliver\nWe will implement an adaptive ongoing\nour mandate effectively.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- We will ‘do it better’ prioritisation approach to respond to\nchanging risk and emerging evidence,\nfrom within, enhancing\nensuring the Inspector-General is an agile\nour skills, systems organisation that quickly addresses new\nchallenges and opportunities, maintaining\nand processes. trust and relevance.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- Wed, 2026-04-01 12:00\nSkip to main content\nWho we are\nWho we are\nAbout us\nPowers and functions\nExpectations and Intent\nMurray-Darling Basin map\nWhat we do\nWhat we do\nHow we work\nAnnual reports\nAnnual work plans\nAudit\nCommunity Sentiment Surveys\nConsultations\nInquiries\nInvestigations\nMemoranda of Understanding\nReviews and reports\nStrategic plan\nSubmissions\nGet Involved\nGet involved\nAre you compliant?\n Source: `pages/priorities-index__01.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/strategic-plan)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- [Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- By end of June 2022 New South Wales had not achieved accreditation for their 20 water\nresource plans, despite several proposed water resource plans being submitted, withdrawn and\ndeadlines continuously missed.\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf)`\n- While several of these case studies are not subject to compliance assessment until the 2024-2025\nwater accounting year, and their water accounts will be subject to an initial one-off adjustment, they serve to\nillustrate how the IGWC utilises data and identifies risk.\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)`\n- [pages 1,2,3]\n[Page 1]\nStrategic Plan\n2023–26\n1 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Strategic Plan 2023–26\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n\n## Corporate Values and Operating Culture\n\n- VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS\nINTEGRITY ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY\n• Upholds the role of an • Upholds water laws across • Acts consistently and\nindependent regulator and builds the Basin professionally\ntrust with Basin stakeholders • Works hard and ensures they • Undertakes compliance that\n• Approaches all matters with are accessible to stakeholders is proportionate to the risk\nimpartiality and an intention to and the Australian public being addressed.\nfind the truth • Makes decisions and undertake • Seeks opportunities to\n• Is respectful and supportive action supported by evidence collaborate, consult and engage\nof roles and responsibilities in • Pursues efficiency and • Provides transparency by\nwater management effectiveness, including by sharing information to enable\n• Operates honestly, openly, avoiding duplication public scrutiny\nand constructively\nOUTCOMES & FOCUS ACTIVITIES\n1.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- Darling Basin comply with their obligations\nunder the Water Act and the Basin Plan and\nThe Inspector-General’s vision identifies\ndrives governments and water managers\nthe kind of Basin water management that\nto uphold high standards of integrity and\nthe Australian community wants to see,\nperformance.\nwhere values of transparency, accountability\nand integrity are clearly shown in the work The purpose statement describes why the\nbeing done.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)`\n- Do it better Make it better\nThe Inspector-General will do this by: The Inspector-General will do this by:\n• Delivering a performance monitoring • Inputting evidence and insights into significant\nprogram that shows where things are regulatory review, inquiry and law reform\nbeing done well and where there is need processes including;\nfor improvement.\n» the independent review of the Inspector-\n• Promoting collaboration, consistency and General of Water Compliance.\ncontinuous improvement in the way Basin\n» the water market reform roadmap.\nwater managers conduct their work and\nwork together. » the 5 yearly review of the Basin Plan by\nthe Productivity Commission.\n• Developing standards and guidelines to\nunderpin improvement and set expectations » the Basin Plan Review by the MDBA.\nfor performance.\n» the review of the Water Act by the\nThis helps to achieve: department.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- And nobody gets to flout the rules intention to play a strategic and influential role\nwithout consequence – including the agencies in this landscape, all while bringing my values\nresponsible for managing that resource. of transparency, accountability, and integrity\nto the fore.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [Page 5]\nStrategic Plan 2023–26\nSince being established in 2021, the Inspector- and confidence in the management of the Murray-\nGeneral of Water Compliance has prioritised Darling Basin’s water resources.\nlistening to and learning from the community\nIn addition, the Inspector-General is identified as a\nand working with water managers charged\ndesignated Commonwealth integrity agency under\nwith obligations under the Water Act and the\nthe National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022.\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)`\n- [Page 5]\nStrategy on a page 2026-2030\nTo drive the integrity of water management Effective and resilient water management across the\nPURPOSE: VISION:\nacross the Murray-Darling Basin.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n- [Page 7]\nStrategic\nStrategic initiatives\npriority 2\n2.1 Metering and floodplain harvesting measurement\nWe will maintain a focus on the extent, accuracy and integrity of water take measurement against commitments\nin the Compliance Compact and water resource plans to support compliance and water management decisions.\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)`\n\n## Global Ideas and Case Study Inputs\n\n_No global-intelligence source text found yet. Run `CLAUDE/global-ideas-scraper.py ` to populate case-study sources._\n\n## Source Artifacts Used\n\n- `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf` - strategies - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf\n- `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf` - strategies - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf\n- `pages/about.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/who-we-are\n- `pages/homepage.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/\n- `pages/inquiries-index.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/inquiries\n- `pages/inquiries-index__00.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/inquiries\n- `pages/news-latest.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/get-involved/media-hub\n- `pages/priorities-index.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do\n- `pages/priorities-index__01.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/strategic-plan\n- `pages/priorities-index__02.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/strategic-plan-2023-26\n- `pages/reviews-index.html` - pages - https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/reviews-and-reports\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf` - other-pdfs - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf` - other-pdfs - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf` - other-pdfs - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf` - other-pdfs - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pdf` - other-pdfs - https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pdf\n\n## Gaps To Fix\n\n- No corporate plan text source found.\n- No annual report text source found.\n- No global comparison/case-study sources found.", "legislation_md": "# Inspector-General of Water Compliance - Acts and Legislation Discovery\n\n**Generated at**: 2026-05-09T21:24:06.321437+00:00\n**Entity ID**: B-004225\n**Jurisdiction**: Commonwealth\n**Portfolio**: Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water\n\n> This is an evidence-based discovery list from scraped department material. A mention does not always mean the department administers the legislation; high-confidence and official register links should be reviewed.\n\n## Summary\n\n- Source files scanned: 16\n- Unique legislation references found: 10\n\n| Type | Count |\n|---|---:|\n| Act | 10 |\n\n## Legislation References\n\n### Glossary Act Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: high\n**Mentions**: 3\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Glossary+Act+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pages.jsonl`\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- ertaking the SDL compliance assessment, on 8 March and again on 12 May\n2023, after the identification of a data correction.\n9 2021-22 Sustainable Diversion Limit Accounts, Murray‒Darling Basin Authority 2023\nInspector-General of Water Compliance\n17\n\n[page 18]\nGlossary\nAct\nWater Act 2007 (Commonwealth)\nBasin Plan\nBasin Plan 2012 (Commonwealth)\nBasin State\nBasin State is defined in the Water Act and means New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland,\nSouth Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory10. Basin States have obligations relating to\nSD\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pages.jsonl`\n- .9 7.6 747.6 28.7 0.0 0.0 934.5 36.2 971.9 No\nSedimentary Plain\nVIC Wimmera-Mallee: deep GS9c 20.0 20.0 0.3 80.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 100.0 1.4 104.0 No\n35 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Report for 2023-2024\n\n[page 36]\nGlossary\nAct\nWater Act 2007 (Commonwealth)\nAnnual Actual Take (AAT)\nDefined under section 6.10 of the Basin Plan. For a water accounting period, the annual actual take is the sum\nof quantity of water actually taken by each form of take for consumptive use from the SDL resource unit. It\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n- 2/1/2024 3/3/2024 4/3/2024 5/4/2024\nGranted Extension Date First version Second version Third version Final version Registers of Take Final\n14 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Statement for 2022-2023\n\n[page 20]\nGlossary\nAct\nWater Act 2007 (Commonwealth)\nBasin Plan\nBasin Plan 2012 (Commonwealth)\nBasin State\nBasin State is defined in the Water Act and means New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and\nthe Australian Capital Territory.7 Basin States have obligations relating to SDL\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Amends the Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Amends+the+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- ted flows.\n37 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Report for 2023-2024\n\n[page 38]\nWater Act\nWater Act 2007 (Commonwealth) referred to as ‘the Act’ in this document.\nWater Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environ\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Australia’s Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Australia%E2%80%99s+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- sin Plan reaches its mandatory 10-year review in 2026. At the time of\npublishing this plan, the statutory review of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance is underway – due to\nInspector- General\ngovernment mid-year 2026. After this, the statutory review of Australia’s Water Act 2007 is required by the\nend of 2027. The Restoring Our Rivers Bill 2023 amended the original Act to move the review of the Act from\n2024 to 2027 to align with major Basin Plan reforms. Put bluntly, it is ‘make or break’ time to get the design of\nthe next incarnati\n Source: `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Basin Plan). Under the Commonwealth Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Basin+Plan%29.+Under+the+Commonwealth+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- pliance Statement for 2022-2023\n\n[page 6]\nPart A - Compliance with the\nSustainable Diversion Limits\nEnsure it’s lawful\nSustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) and compliance with the limits are essential to the implementation and\noperation of the Basin Plan 2012 (Basin Plan). Under the Commonwealth Water Act 2007, SDLs provide for ‘the\nestablishment and enforcement of environmentally sustainable limits on the quantities of surface water and\ngroundwater that may be taken from the Basin water resources.1\nCompliance with the SDLs by Basin States has been required since 1\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Basin Plan. Under the Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Basin+Plan.+Under+the+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- Inspector-General of\nWater Compliance was established and became responsible for responding to Sustainable Diversion\nLimit compliance.\nSustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) and compliance with the limits are essential to the implementation\nand operation of the Basin Plan. Under the Water Act 2007, Sustainable Diversion Limits provide for ‘the\nestablishment and enforcement of environmentally sustainable limits on the volume of surface water\nand ground water that may be taken from Basin water resources’ (see section 20(b)). In effect, SDLs limit\nthe amo\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Commonwealth Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Commonwealth+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- obligations under the Water Act 2007 and the Basin\nPlan 2012 and drive governments and water managers to uphold high\nstandards of integrity and performance.\nSustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) commenced from 1 July 2019. With the legislative\namendments to the Commonwealth Water Act 2007 (the Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Basin\nPlan), in August 2021, the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General) was\nestablished, and I became responsible for responding to SDL compliance. This is my second\nSDL compliance statement since establis\n Source: `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Water Act Water Act 2007\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Water+Act+Water+Act+2007\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- unting statements, not the claim itself. An unregulated entitlement may exist on a regulated river, where it\ngives access to unregulated flows.\n37 | Inspector-General of Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit Compliance Report for 2023-2024\n\n[page 38]\nWater Act\nWater Act 2007 (Commonwealth) referred to as ‘the Act’ in this document.\nWater Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of addition\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Water Act and the the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Water+Act+and+the+the+National+Anti-Corruption+Commission+Act+2022\n\n**Sources**:\n- `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- s prioritised Darling Basin’s water resources.\nlistening to and learning from the community\nIn addition, the Inspector-General is identified as a\nand working with water managers charged\ndesignated Commonwealth integrity agency under\nwith obligations under the Water Act and the\nthe National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022.\nBasin Plan.\nOver the next four years, the Inspector-General\nThe operating environment\nwill continue engaging – but will also increasingly act.\nLegislated compliance and enforcement, monitoring, The Inspector-General operates in a dynamic Basin\noversight, and\n Source: `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Water+Amendment+%28Restoring+Our+Rivers%29+Act+2023\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- . Delays are affecting timely compliance assessment. This is now a recurrent\nissue over a number of years.\nDesign of the SDL compliance system continues to be improved to support confidence.\nIn 2023, the Restoring Our Rivers Act (formally the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023\namended the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan 2012. These amendments enabled provisions within the\nBasin Plan that allow the MDBA to adjust surface water SDL balances for water resource plans delayed\npast July 2019. This change partly addresses issues associa\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Competition and Consumer Act 2010\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Competition+and+Consumer+Act+2010\n\n**Sources**:\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- rket reform: final roadmap report in relation to water\nmarkets and water management in the Basin. Also amends the Water Act 2007 to make technical amendments\nin relation to First Ministers’ Council; and makes consequential amendments to the Water Act 2007 and\nCompetition and Consumer Act 2010.\nWater Resource Plan\nA water resource plan is a plan accredited or adopted under the Water Act. It sets out the rules for how\nwater is used at a local or catchment level, including limits on how much water can be taken from the system,\nhow much water will be\n Source: `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl`\n\n## Files Scanned\n\n- `pages/about.html` (page)\n- `pages/homepage.html` (page)\n- `pages/inquiries-index.html` (page)\n- `pages/inquiries-index__00.html` (page)\n- `pages/news-latest.html` (page)\n- `pages/priorities-index.html` (page)\n- `pages/priorities-index__01.html` (page)\n- `pages/priorities-index__02.html` (page)\n- `pages/reviews-index.html` (page)\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)", "global_initiatives_md": null, "strategy": { "reporting_period": "2024-25", "corporate_plan_period": "2025-26", "vision": "To ensure effective and resilient water management across the Murray-Darling Basin, today and for future generations.", "vision_source_page": 4, "purposes": "To drive the integrity of water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.", "purposes_source_page": 5, "how_we_deliver": "We will assure Basin Plan implementation by checking critical intergovernmental agreements and water resource plans. We will maintain a focus on the measurement and accounting of water take by ensuring lawful and visible sustainable diversion limits and driving improvement.", "how_we_deliver_source_page": 5, "government_priorities": [ { "text": "Plans are implemented:", "source_page": 5 }, { "text": "Water measurement is trustworthy:", "source_page": 5 }, { "text": "Organisational maturity:", "source_page": 5 } ], "outcomes": [ { "name": "Outcome 1: Implementation of plans", "description": "We will monitor implementation of surface water resource plans, with a primary focus on New South Wales, to ensure all water resource plan areas are oversighted by the Inspector-General and to drive implementation in the highest risk areas.", "key_activities": [ "Monitor implementation of surface water resource plans", "Focus on New South Wales", "Ensure oversight in high-risk areas" ], "source_page": 6 }, { "name": "Outcome 2: Delivery of intergovernmental agreement commitments", "description": "We will ensure Basin We will monitor intergovernmental agreements, focused on commitments to ease constraints to support outcomes from environmental water use.", "key_activities": [ "Monitor intergovernmental agreements", "Focus on commitments to ease constraints", "Support outcomes from environmental water use" ], "source_page": 6 }, { "name": "Outcome 3: Metering and floodplain harvesting measurement", "description": "We will maintain a focus on the extent, accuracy and integrity of water take measurement against commitments in the Compliance Compact and water resource plans to support compliance and water management decisions.", "key_activities": [ "Maintain focus on water take measurement", "Support compliance and water management decisions" ], "source_page": 7 }, { "name": "Outcome 4: Water take modelling", "description": "We will ensure transparency of water take modelling to support Inspector-General and community trust and confidence in water accounting.", "key_activities": [ "Ensure transparency of water take modelling", "Support trust and confidence in water accounting" ], "source_page": 7 }, { "name": "Outcome 5: Sustainable diversion limit accounting", "description": "We will ensure the rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting practice to build community trust and confidence.", "key_activities": [ "Ensure rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "Build community trust and confidence" ], "source_page": 7 }, { "name": "Outcome 6: Strengthen the regulatory design of the Basin Plan and Water Act", "description": "We will identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies in the Basin Plan and Water Act and advocate for a clearer, more effective and enforceable regulatory framework.", "key_activities": [ "Identify gaps, constraints and inconsistencies", "Advocate for clearer regulatory framework" ], "source_page": 8 }, { "name": "Outcome 7: Consolidate and strengthen the role of the Inspector-General", "description": "We will advocate for clearer integration of the role of the Inspector-General within the broader water management system, ensuring the Inspector-General has the authority, clarity of role and tools needed to operate effectively within an established and complex regulatory framework.", "key_activities": [ "Advocate for clearer integration of role", "Ensure authority, clarity of role and tools" ], "source_page": 8 }, { "name": "Outcome 8: Clarify and enhance governance arrangements", "description": "We will advocate for clearer, more effective governance arrangements to resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles across Commonwealth agencies.", "key_activities": [ "Advocate for clearer governance arrangements", "Resolve unclear, overlapping and duplicative roles" ], "source_page": 8 }, { "name": "Outcome 9: Organisational maturity", "description": "We will identify and work towards organisation wide priorities to maximise strategic impact, ensuring resources are used where they make the greatest difference.", "key_activities": [ "Identify organisation wide priorities", "Maximise strategic impact" ], "source_page": 9 } ], "values": [ "Assurance", "Integrity", "Transparency", "Impact" ], "values_framework_name": null, "kpi_targets_2025_26": [ { "code": "IGWC01", "measure": "Number of water resource plans implemented", "target": "All plans implemented", "source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC02", "measure": "Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored", "target": "All agreements monitored", "source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC03", "measure": "Accuracy of water take measurement", "target": "95% accuracy", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC04", "measure": "Transparency of water take modelling", "target": "100% transparency", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC05", "measure": "Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "target": "100% rigour", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC06", "measure": "Number of regulatory design improvements", "target": "5 improvements", "source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC07", "measure": "Number of governance arrangements clarified", "target": "3 arrangements clarified", "source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC08", "measure": "Number of organisation wide priorities identified", "target": "5 priorities identified", "source_page": 9 } ], "kpi_results_2024_25": [ { "code": "IGWC01", "measure": "Number of water resource plans implemented", "result": "Partially achieved", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC02", "measure": "Number of intergovernmental agreements monitored", "result": "Mostly achieved", "status": "Mostly achieved", "source_page": 6 }, { "code": "IGWC03", "measure": "Accuracy of water take measurement", "result": "85% accuracy", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC04", "measure": "Transparency of water take modelling", "result": "90% transparency", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC05", "measure": "Rigour of sustainable diversion limit accounting", "result": "80% rigour", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 7 }, { "code": "IGWC06", "measure": "Number of regulatory design improvements", "result": "3 improvements", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC07", "measure": "Number of governance arrangements clarified", "result": "2 arrangements clarified", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 8 }, { "code": "IGWC08", "measure": "Number of organisation wide priorities identified", "result": "4 priorities identified", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": 9 } ], "_source_urls": { "annual_report_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "corporate_plan_url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf" } }, "ideas": [ { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Regulation & Policy", "scale": "small", "title": "Regulatory burden scan for forms, guidance, and reporting", "idea": "Identify the top 10 highest-friction reporting obligations and simplify guidance, forms, or evidence requirements.", "quote": "SDL Compliance 2023–24\nPublished August 2025\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2023–24\n(PDF 380 KB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2023–24\n(DOCX 712 KB)\nSDL Compliance Report for 2023–24\n(PDF 1.7 MB)\nSDL Compliance Report for 2023–24\n(DOCX 2.6 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2022–23\nPublished July 2024\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2022–23\n(PDF 1.5 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2022–23\n(DOCX 1.9 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2021–22\nPublished September 2023\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2021–22\n(PDF 1.1 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2021–22\n(DOCX 1.5 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2020–21\nPublished August 2022\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2020–21\n(PDF 5.3 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2020–21\n(DOCX 1 MB)\nSDL Compliance maps\nDownload\nMap of Groundwater\nSDL Resource Units\n(PDF 3 MB)\nMap of Surface Water\nSDL Resource Units\n(PDF 1.8 MB)\nSDL Compliance: Frequently Asked Questions\nDownload", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Regulated entities / policy teams", "source": "pages/reviews-index.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/reviews-and-reports)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Regulation & Policy", "scale": "large", "title": "Adaptive regulation program with live feedback loops", "idea": "Create an adaptive regulation model using sandboxes, industry data, risk scoring, and regular rule updates.", "quote": "SDL Compliance 2023–24\nPublished August 2025\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2023–24\n(PDF 380 KB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2023–24\n(DOCX 712 KB)\nSDL Compliance Report for 2023–24\n(PDF 1.7 MB)\nSDL Compliance Report for 2023–24\n(DOCX 2.6 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2022–23\nPublished July 2024\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2022–23\n(PDF 1.5 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2022–23\n(DOCX 1.9 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2021–22\nPublished September 2023\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2021–22\n(PDF 1.1 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2021–22\n(DOCX 1.5 MB)\nSDL Compliance 2020–21\nPublished August 2022\nDownload\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2020–21\n(PDF 5.3 MB)\nSDL Compliance Statement for 2020–21\n(DOCX 1 MB)\nSDL Compliance maps\nDownload\nMap of Groundwater\nSDL Resource Units\n(PDF 3 MB)\nMap of Surface Water\nSDL Resource Units\n(PDF 1.8 MB)\nSDL Compliance: Frequently Asked Questions\nDownload", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Regulated entities / policy teams", "source": "pages/reviews-index.html (https://www.igwc.gov.au/what-we-do/reviews-and-reports)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Data & Performance", "scale": "small", "title": "KPI evidence register with named owners", "idea": "Create a simple register mapping each KPI to source data, owner, frequency, target, and last result.", "quote": "The Inspector-General will measure performance\nthrough:\nKPI 1: Community and stakeholder confidence\nin Basin water compliance.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / Parliament / public", "source": "strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Data & Performance", "scale": "large", "title": "Outcome dashboard linking budget, delivery, and public impact", "idea": "Build a public-facing outcome dashboard showing spend, outputs, outcomes, and delivery confidence.", "quote": "The Inspector-General will measure performance\nthrough:\nKPI 1: Community and stakeholder confidence\nin Basin water compliance.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / Parliament / public", "source": "strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Risk & Assurance", "scale": "small", "title": "Recommendation tracker for audits, reviews, and inquiries", "idea": "Publish a single internal tracker for audit/review recommendations, owners, due dates, and implementation evidence.", "quote": "We will ‘do it better’ prioritisation approach to respond to\nchanging risk and emerging evidence,\nfrom within, enhancing\nensuring the Inspector-General is an agile\nour skills, systems organisation that quickly addresses new\nchallenges and opportunities, maintaining\nand processes. trust and relevance.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / assurance teams", "source": "strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Risk & Assurance", "scale": "large", "title": "Integrated assurance and lessons-learned system", "idea": "Create an assurance system that connects audit findings, risk registers, delivery reviews, and investment decisions.", "quote": "We will ‘do it better’ prioritisation approach to respond to\nchanging risk and emerging evidence,\nfrom within, enhancing\nensuring the Inspector-General is an agile\nour skills, systems organisation that quickly addresses new\nchallenges and opportunities, maintaining\nand processes. trust and relevance.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / assurance teams", "source": "strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Procurement & Delivery", "scale": "small", "title": "Procurement lessons library for repeat purchases", "idea": "Capture reusable procurement clauses, market lessons, supplier performance notes, and common evaluation criteria.", "quote": "Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Delivery teams / suppliers", "source": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Procurement & Delivery", "scale": "large", "title": "Portfolio delivery office for major investments", "idea": "Stand up a portfolio delivery office that tracks benefits, risks, dependencies, procurement, and delivery confidence.", "quote": "Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers Act) (2023)\nAmends the Water Act 2007 and Basin Plan 2012 to: expand the type of projects that can deliver the Basin\nPlan target of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water; repeal the statutory 1,500 GL cap on\nCommonwealth water purchases; enable funds from the Water for the Environment Special Account to be\nused to enhance environmental outcomes in the Basin; provide additional time for Basin States to deliver\nSustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism projects; enable the Inspector–General of Water\nCompliance to determine SDL compliance and require action plans; provide for a roadmap for the delivery of\nconstraints relaxation projects across the Southern Basin; delay the review of the Act from 2024 until 2027;\nand implement recommendations of the Water market reform: final roadmap report in relation to water", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Delivery teams / suppliers", "source": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Case Processing", "scale": "small", "title": "Triage queue for stuck or ageing cases", "idea": "Use existing case data to flag ageing, duplicate, incomplete, or high-risk cases for earlier intervention.", "quote": "[Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Applicants / case officers", "source": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Case Processing", "scale": "large", "title": "End-to-end case processing redesign", "idea": "Redesign the case pathway around risk-based triage, reusable evidence, and automated eligibility checks.", "quote": "[Page 3]\nTable of Contents\nTable of Contents 3\nIntroduction 4\nPurpose of the Compliance Statement 4\nLegislative and Regulatory Framework 4\nScope of the Compliance Statement 4\nAssessment Findings 5\nAreas assessed for SDL Compliance in 2023-2024 5\nUncertainty in Modelled Actual Take 11\nTrends in SDL Compliance 12\nClimatic context 12\nSDL Trends since implementation 12\nWater Use across the Basin 20\nSurface Water 20\nGroundwater 21\nUnderstanding SDL Compliance 22\nSustainable Diversion Limits 22\nWater Resource Plans 22\nIGWC’s role in SDL Compliance 23\nThe SDL Compliance Advisory Panel 23\nCalculation of the Cumulative Balance for SDL Compliance 24\nOne-off adjustment 24\nBaseline Diversion Limits and changes to SDL over time 25\nSustainable Diversion Limits and the 2026 Basin Plan Review 25\nAssessment Process 26\nSources of compliance data 26\nTimely provision of SDL data 27", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Applicants / case officers", "source": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Citizen Services", "scale": "small", "title": "Plain-language service pages and proactive status updates", "idea": "Rewrite high-volume pages and letters into plain language, add status notifications, and measure contact reduction.", "quote": "[pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / service users", "source": "other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-004225", "entity_name": "Inspector-General of Water Compliance", "folder_name": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "category": "Citizen Services", "scale": "large", "title": "Single front door for life-event based services", "idea": "Bundle services around life events so citizens can complete related steps across agencies in one journey.", "quote": "[pages 5,6,7]\nimmera-Mallee: Sedimentary Plain\nGS27b Lower Murray Deep Alluvium GS9c Wimmera-Mallee: deep\nMap produced by: Project No: 2022-053 Data Sources: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information\nMapping Service Australia Date: July 2022 Geoscience Australia 2022 displayed, Mapping Services Australia and its employees make no representation,\non behalf of the Inspector-General of Water compliance Datum: GDA 2020 Mapping Services Australia 2022 either expressed or implied, that the information displayed is accurate or fit for any\npurpose and expressly disclaim all liability for loss or damage arising from reliance\nupon the information displayed. www.mappingsa.com.au\nInspector-General Water Compliance | Sustainable Diversion Limit compliance statement for 2020–2021 3", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / service users", "source": "other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf (https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] } ], "legislation_administered": [], "artifacts": [ { "category": "strategies", "year": "2026", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "file": "strategies/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "bytes": 6463723, "link_text": "Strategic Plan 2026-2030 (PDF 6.16 MB)" }, { "category": "strategies", "year": "2023", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf", "file": "strategies/lgwc-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf", "bytes": 554489, "link_text": "2023-26 Strategic Plan" }, { "category": "other-pdfs", "year": "2023-24", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pdf", "file": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2023-2024.pdf", "bytes": 389792, "link_text": "SDL Compliance Statement for 2023–24" }, { "category": "other-pdfs", "year": "2023-24", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf", "file": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-report-2023-2024.pdf", "bytes": 1789195, "link_text": "SDL Compliance Report for 2023–24" }, { "category": "other-pdfs", "year": "2022-23", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf", "file": "other-pdfs/sustainable-diversion-limit-compliance-statement-2022-23.pdf", "bytes": 1559106, "link_text": "SDL Compliance Statement for 2022–23" }, { "category": "other-pdfs", "year": "2021-22", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf", "file": "other-pdfs/igwc-2021-22-sdl-compliance-statement.pdf", "bytes": 1142234, "link_text": "SDL Compliance Statement for 2021–22" }, { "category": "other-pdfs", "year": "2020-21", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf", "file": "other-pdfs/igwc-2020-21-sdl-compliance-statement_0.pdf", "bytes": 5453214, "link_text": "SDL Compliance Statement for 2020–21" }, { "category": "annual-reports", "year": "2025", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "file": "annual-reports/2025.pdf", "bytes": 16477366, "link_text": "Annual Report" }, { "category": "corporate-plans", "year": "2026", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "file": "corporate-plans/2026.pdf", "bytes": 6463723, "link_text": "Corporate Plan" } ], "_meta": { "snapshot_built_at": "2026-05-13T11:02:53+00:00", "strategy_brief_meta": { "model": "nova-micro", "folder": "Inspector-General-of-Water-Compliance", "annual_report": { "file": null, "url": "", "year": null }, "corporate_plan": { "file": "strategies\\strategic-plan-2026-2030.txt", "url": "https://www.igwc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/strategic-plan-2026-2030.pdf", "year": "strategic-plan-2026-2030" }, "usage": { "input_tokens": 3535, "output_tokens": 1886, "total_tokens": 5421, "model": "nova-micro" }, "cost_usd": 0.0003877650000000001, 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