Water security baseline project for Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO)

Customer Challenge

The Far Northwest (FNW) region of New South Wales — encompassing the Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Shire Councils — has faced persistent and escalating water security challenges, intensified by recent climate extremes such as the 2017–2019 drought. Several towns came close to running out of water, relying on emergency carting with significant social and economic consequences. A secure water future is fundamental to the region’s resilience, productivity and liveability. FNWJO engaged Ricardo to address a critical gap: the absence of a consolidated, evidence-based baseline to guide future planning and advocacy. 

Ricardo Solution

Ricardo delivered the Water Security Baseline project — recommended under the 2024 FNW Regional Drought Resilience Plan — by combining rigorous desktop analysis with two rounds of face-to-face engagement with representatives from the councils, industry, communities and Aboriginal groups. Working closely with the FNWJO and a project Steering Committee, Ricardo reviewed historic and current water data and identified local and regional water security challenges and opportunities. Key outputs included:
•    Separate Baseline Water Security Assessments for each Local Government Area, and
•    A consolidated Regional Water Security Issues and Opportunities Report, which identified common challenges and priority intervention opportunities across the FNW region.

Customer Benefit

The project has equipped FNWJO and its member councils with a region-wide evidence base that strengthens planning, advocacy and investment readiness. The findings and recommendations will directly inform the development of a long-term Regional Water Security Plan, enabling coordinated action, stronger engagement with NSW and Australian Government programs, and a more strategic approach to building the region’s long-term water resilience.