Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) Board

Opportunity to shape the future of natural resource regulation in NSW.

• Contribute to the effective regulation of water take and use across NSW
• Provide strategic oversight, governance and regulatory leadership
• Make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable management of NSW's natural resources

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is an independent regulator responsible for monitoring, auditing, investigating and enforcing compliance with water management legislation across New South Wales.

NRAR plays a critical role in building public confidence in the state's water management framework by ensuring compliance with water laws in a fair, transparent and consistent manner. Through its work, NRAR helps protect water resources, supports sustainable water use, and contributes to healthy communities, industries and environments across NSW.

The NSW Government is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified individuals for appointment as Board Members to the NRAR Board.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, governance and performance of a regulator that plays a significant role in supporting the sustainable management of one of NSW's most important natural resources.

Board Members will work collaboratively to provide oversight, strategic guidance and governance to support NRAR in delivering its legislative functions and achieving its objectives.

Appointments will be made on merit and will complement a balance of skills, experience and diversity across the Board.

Terms of appointment and remuneration will be determined in accordance with the NSW Government's policies and frameworks for public sector boards and committees.

The initial term of the Board will be for up to three years.

To be considered for this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience serving on a government, statutory, regulatory, commercial and/or not-for-profit board, committee or governing body, or equivalent senior executive leadership experience.
• A demonstrated understanding of good governance, accountability and fiduciary responsibilities in complex organisations.
• Sound judgement, integrity and the ability to make decisions in the public interest.
• Experience providing strategic oversight of organisational performance, risk management, compliance and assurance frameworks.
• An understanding of the distinct role of a board in governing an organisation and maintaining appropriate separation between governance and operational management.
• The ability to analyse complex issues, challenge constructively and contribute effectively to collective decision-making.
• A collaborative approach, strong stakeholder awareness and the capacity to work respectfully with diverse perspectives.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Regulatory governance, compliance and enforcement
• Water management, natural resources management or environmental regulation
• Public sector governance and statutory accountability
• Risk management, assurance and enterprise risk oversight
• Audit, integrity and compliance frameworks
• Financial management and public sector stewardship
• Legal, administrative or regulatory law
• Science, environmental management or resource management
• Agriculture, regional communities, Aboriginal engagement or stakeholder engagement
• Government policy, strategy and public administration

Successful applicants will be required to undergo probity assessments and declare any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest. Additional information may be required as part of the appointment process.

The Board has been classified under the NSW Public Service Commission’s Classification and Remuneration Framework for NSW Government Boards with the following remuneration:

Chair: Annual remuneration of $50,000

Members: Annual remuneration of $35,000.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sharon Ryan at sharon.ryan@nrar.nsw.gov.au.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Ty Brennock via ty.brennock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 231 505 (please mention reference number 552159).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 27 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 16 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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