The department prepares and consults on a range of plans and strategies to plan and manage the water needs of NSW.
![Aboriginal water programs](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/547269/aboriginal-water-programs-2000-x-1250.jpg)
The Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.
![Centennial Park](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0003/574653/22033608-56.jpg)
Floodplain management plans provide the framework for coordinating the development of flood works on a whole-of-valley basis.
![Elevated aerial view over Sydney Harbour from across Mosman and lower north shore suburbs towards city CBD landmarks and waterfront.](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0003/495714/gsws-2000-x-1250.jpg)
The Greater Sydney Water Strategy charts a direction for delivering sustainable and resilient water services to Greater Sydney for the next 20 to 40 years.
![Long grass by the water.](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0003/515190/gw-strategy-grass-2000-x-1250.jpg)
We have developed a long-term strategy to better protect and share the state’s vital groundwater resources.
![Aerial view of Dubbo NSW](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/395867/dubbo-aerial-1440x380px.jpg)
A 20-year state-wide strategy to improve the security of our water resources.
![Bridge over the Never Never River in Bellingen. Image courtesy of Mel Bradbury.](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0004/539356/metro-plans-2000-x-1250.jpg)
Our two metropolitan water plans provide Sydney and the Lower Hunter with more sustainable and resilient water supplies.
![](https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/497931/rws.jpg)
Thirteen regional water strategies to plan and manage the water needs in each NSW region over the next 20-40 years.
![Murray Darling Junction, Wentworth.](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/576078/water-resource-plans-2000-x-1250.jpg)
Water resource plans must be prepared and submitted for assessment to meet our commitment to the Commonwealth's Basin Plan.
![The redgum trees on the banks of the River Murray in Tooleybuc, New South Wales.](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/556499/wsp-2000-x-1250.jpg)
Water sharing plans are a statutory obligation under the Water Management Act 2000.
![Wanganella Swamp](https://water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/606407/buy-backs.jpg)
NSW Alternatives to Buybacks Plan to minimise the exposure of regional communities to water buybacks.