Regulatory and Assurance Framework (RAF) Review survey

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is evaluating the implementation of the NSW Regulatory and Assurance Framework for Local Water Utilities (the RAF)  and associated guidance. This survey aims to assess if and how well the RAF’s objectives, oversight functions and regulatory expectations are being implemented, and to identify any implementation risks and issues.


We value your input to help us better support the implementation of the RAF within the sector.


Estimated time to complete: Approximately 20–30 minutes.

Note, you can progress selectively and skip questions you prefer not to answer.


Your information will be handled by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department) in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act). Any personal information provided will only be used to inform the department's engagement team. Participation is voluntary. We will protect your information and will not use or disclose it for other purposes unless required by law.


For more on our privacy obligations, see our Privacy Policy or contact us at 02 9860 1440 or privacy@dpie.nsw.gov.au or at Locked Bag 5022 Parramatta NSW 2124. 

















The department applies the RAF's six guiding principles in practice as listed below. Please see section 2.2 of the RAF
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree



Section 3 of the RAF -  This section of the RAF and its associated guidance outlines the twelve strategic planning outcomes and the expectations for each outcome to be achieved to have effective, evidence-based strategic planning in place and the process the department follows for providing assurance. 
























Section 4 of the RAF is the guidelines for dividend payments that sets the requirements that a council must fulfill to pay an annual dividend from its water supply and sewerage business surplus to the council’s general fund (under s409(5) of the Local Government Act 1993), including the eligibility criteria, method for dividend calculation and information required by the department.








Section 5 of the RAF details the types of works that require approval under the legislation (section 60 of the Local Government Act 1993 and section 292(1)(a) of the Water Management Act 2000), the documentation required to assess the works and the criteria and timeframes for assessment. The requirements seek to ensure that works are fit for purpose, manage relevant risks, and provide robust and safe infrastructure for customers.

















The department regularly inspects the safety, operation and maintenance of LWU water and sewerage treatment works (pursuant to s61 of the Local Government Act 1993) making recommendations to councils for improving their operation, maintenance and safety. 








Councils can approve liquid trade waste discharges with the concurrence of the department in certain circumstances where risks to the sewerage system, the environment and the health and safety of workers and the public can be appropriately controlled. The department’s Liquid Trade Waste Management Guidelines (2021) assist councils to regulate trade waste and detail requirements for gaining departmental concurrence to trade waste approvals.











Section 8 of the RAF describes monitoring, analysis and reporting of LWU performance indicators to target regulatory effort and a risk-based policy and strategic approach, identify performance trends, publish related data for stakeholders and act as the NSW data coordinator for federal reporting obligations.












Thank you for your valuable contribution to this important review. Your insights will help shape the future of water regulation and service provision in NSW.

Please press Submit below to complete the survey. 

NSW DCCEEW - Water Group