Foreword

Good management of scarce resources is always important. The ongoing drought and climate change has made imperative the good management of water.

Many people would be surprised to learn that irrigated agriculture uses much more water than our towns and cities; about seven times as much in a normal year.

That is why in this report we have examined how the Department of Primary Industries has been helping irrigators to use water more efficiently. In a May 2005 report the Audit Office reported on planning for Sydney’s water needs.

This report is also relevant to all agencies that need to align their planning, funding, monitoring and reporting in accordance with State Plan priorities.

Peter Achterstraat

Auditor-General

November 2007