Craig Knowles Appointed Chair of WaterNSW Board

Former NSW minister and experienced water-sector leader Craig Knowles AM has been appointed Chair of the WaterNSW Board.

Mr Knowles succeeds Peter Duncan AM, who has stepped down after serving as Chair since March 2022.

Mr Knowles brings decades of experience in water policy, regulation and public administration.

He was appointed founding Chair of the Natural Resources Access Regulator in 2017 and has held the position for almost a decade, serving across three successive NSW governments.

He previously chaired the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and served for 11 years as a NSW Government minister, including holding responsibility for Sydney Water and Hunter Water.

In 2015, Mr Knowles was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to local government, the NSW Parliament and the community.

WaterNSW is a state-owned corporation responsible for operating 41 major dams and managing water storage and supply infrastructure across NSW. It supplies raw water for regional communities, agriculture, industry, the environment and major customers including Sydney Water.

NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson said Mr Knowles’ extensive experience would support WaterNSW as the state navigates major water infrastructure investment and reform.

Mr Knowles said he looked forward to working with the board, executive team and staff to support the delivery of essential water services across NSW.