The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the lead agency setting water policy in NSW. The Department is responsible for much of the implantation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan in NSW and the consequential development of policy, regulatory arrangements and water supply works across much of NSW. Maddocks worked with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in collaboration with local councils such as Parkes Shire Council and Central Coast Council

Maddocks role across these programs and projects has included advising on:

• Authorising strategies

• Land access strategies

• Legislative amendments

• Regulatory approvals for works and operations

• Impact assessment requirements for works and operations

• Regulation of water orders, access entitlements, releases and flows

• Risk and liability management

• Compensation models

• Interagency arrangements

• Powers and immunities of Government Agencies

• Property entitlements

• Drafting contractual arrangements, including D&C contracts

• Procurement of works and services, including Expression of Interest and Early Tenderer Involvement Deeds.

The projects Maddocks advise on are crucial for ensuring water security and enhancing reliable infrastructure to meet the demands of increasing regional development and are fundamental to the health of our inland waterways that support or regional communities and ecosystems. Our expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, developing strategic approval and land access plans, and managing large-scale infrastructure projects positions us as a trusted advisor in the waste and wastewater sector.

Maddocks has been actively advising on a range of significant projects within the water and wastewater sector, with the aim of providing long-term water security, improving access to quality water supplies in regional areas and to ensuring that water remains a protected resource. The projects have included increasing storage capacity through new dams and water treatment plants, exploring new and innovative technologies to help improve the quality and efficient use of water.

Maddocks has advised on numerous programs and projects for long-term water security, improving water quality and delivering environmental flows. Maddocks assisted in drafting land access and works arrangements, developing D&C contracts, and managing contractor contracts for a large program of works across multiple sites. The programs and projects have included:

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

• Yanco Creek Modernisation Project (AUD$60 million)

• Safe and Secure Water Program (AUD$1 billion)

• Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Project 

Maddocks assisted in drafting land access and works arrangements, developing D&C contracts, and managing contractor contracts for a large program of works across multiple sites.

Multiple stakeholder projects

• Reconnecting River Country Program (AUD255.57 million) - working with the NSW Government, (Department of Planning and Environment's Water Infrastructure NSW team, with support from Local Land Services.

Local Councils and localised projects (in collaboration with NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)

• NSW Northern Beaches Councils | Manly Hydraulic Laboratory.
   

• Cowra Shire Council | Wyangala Water Treatment Plant (AUD$5.5 million).
   

• Moree Plains Shire Council | Gwydir Reconnecting Watercourse Country Program (AUD$274 million).
   

• Central Coast Council | Mardi Water Treatment Plant 
  The Water Treatment Plant typically provides around half of all drinking water to the Central Coast region, and it is being upgraded. Maddocks has been appointment to advised on drafting and negotiating the construction contract and technical documents, preparation of RFT documentation, in conjunction with Council subject-matter experts and providing strategic advice on risk allocation. 
   

• Parkes Council | The Parkes Water Security Program (AUD$65 million)
  Advising Parkes Shire Council on the planning and delivery of the Parkes Water Security Program, which includes over 100km of water pipelines, numerous pumping and treatment stations, reservoirs, and dams. Our role has encompassed developing approval strategies, advising on land access and acquisition, regulatory processes, funding agreements, and procurement documentation. This project aims to ensure a reliable water supply for Parkes Shire and neighbouring councils and supporting regional development.
   

• Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)

  • The Murray-Darling Basin Plan (AUD$180 million)
    Advising on a program of projects to support a reduction in water recovery targets under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Our involvement includes drafting land access and works arrangements, developing D&C contracts, and managing contractor contracts. These projects aim to improve river management across NSW, protect water for the environment, and create opportunities for local communities.

  • Also advised on the response to the mass fish deaths in the Darling-Baaka river.

  • The Environmental Water Delivery program.

The Maddocks team was led by Partners Andrew Chapman, Bronwyn Badcock, Patrick Ibbotson, Joshua Same, along with Senior Associates, Georgia Appleby, Danielle De Bruyn, Teresa Hislop, Leo Kohn and Sam Troutman.