Water sector policy and regulation
Our team provides specialised advisory services to underpin decision making throughout the policy life cycle, combined with expert water market analysis and intelligence supporting commercial decisions.
Good policy combined with bespoke strategy
Natural systems are increasingly strained and under threat. This creates challenges in the management of water, infrastructure, cities, agriculture and the environment. In this context, making better decisions means making best use of natural resources to support communities and the economy while protecting natural systems and producing enduring environmental outcomes.
Good policy ensures decision-makers can achieve this. We draw on multiple perspectives and analytical approaches to thoroughly explore the issue or opportunity and ensure your strategy is appropriate and supported by executive leadership, delivery staff and stakeholders. We specialise in revealing public, non-market benefits that are traditionally difficult to quantify, drawing on a mix of evaluation methods including interviews, data analysis, case studies and economic quantification of outcomes and benefits.
Leading methods for quality insights
We apply specialised tools to analyse market trends, assess policy impacts, and evaluate investment opportunities. By offering comprehensive insights and tailored advice, we support clients in managing risks, optimising portfolios, and aligning their strategies with evolving water market conditions.
We specialise in developing performance frameworks that enable comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of water policies and programs. By assisting in articulating and communicating successes, we empower stakeholders to make a compelling case for investment or reform, so that water management strategies are both effective and aligned with long-term goals.
Governments often face challenges in designing frameworks that effectively adapt to changing conditions and stakeholder needs.
We specialise in reviewing and designing adaptive, fit-for-purpose water management frameworks. We support governments in managing all elements of the water cycle, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water planning.
Ricardo provides expert review and advisory services across the entire water policy cycle. We offer comprehensive support from assessing water policy, legislation, and regulatory settings to conducting issue and solutions analysis.
Our expertise includes guiding through stakeholder engagement processes and cabinet submissions, ensuring well-informed decisions that align with both policy objectives and regulatory requirements.
Ricardo conducts strategic reviews of governance and institutional settings to identify areas for improvement. By providing actionable recommendations, we help streamline institutional frameworks, clarify roles and responsibilities, and enhance collaboration. This approach not only drives effective strategic planning but also fosters a more integrated and efficient water management system.
Our strengths
Influencing change through effective communication
Our communication approach cuts through complexity delivering concise, high-quality outputs to drive impactful results
Driving ideas and engagement
Expert facilitators using IAP2 framework, and leading tools like Miro and MURAL for dynamic stakeholder engagement and impactful workshops
Continuous improvement
Continuously seeking client feedback to ensure constant improvement and deliver, exceptional, tailored results that meet your specific needs
Empowering client success
Enhancing client capabilities through collaboration, capacity-building and training, fostering skills and knowledge for sustainable success
“Ricardo has developed a reputation for some of the deepest analysis and forecasting in the Australian water market. This standing alongside their independence from the market and their understanding of government policy means Ricardo is well placed to provide information to all users of the water markets, as well as market regulators.
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General Manager of a listed Australian agribusiness
“Between 2022-2024, Ricardo led a two-stage review process for Schedule D of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement and synthesised outcomes to support decision making. Ricardo’s multi-stage engagement method worked. This built collective understanding and agreement by stakeholders with different perspectives to a broad range of complex issues and solutions. MDBA highly valued the team’s demonstrated deep knowledge of water markets. We have strong confidence in Ricardo's capabilities in water markets and stakeholder engagement and recommend their services and experienced consultants.”
Murray-Darling Basin Authority, 2024
Related capabilities
Water sector policy and regulation Resources
