The NSW Government's metering review has addressed several long-standing barriers to non-urban water metering compliance despite falling short in some areas.
The long-awaited report on the troubled metering policy includes compliance deadline extensions for coastal water licence holders and practical solutions to reduce costs for small and intermittent water users.
NSWIC will continue to work closely with the Government to resolve remaining issues of concern to water users, including an attestation trial, a telemetry review and ensuring the changes also apply to small water users in 'at risk' water sources.
The Metering Review Recommendations Report comes after sustained advocacy from the NSW Irrigators' Council and its members, who have been vocal in highlighting the barriers to compliance outside the control of water users.
NSWIC CEO Claire Miller said the Council is glad the Government has listened to the voices of agricultural communities and responded with sensible solutions to several key issues.
"This report is a crucial step towards making it quicker, easier and cheaper for water users to overcome compliance barriers, which by NRAR's and the Department's own admission are outside of their control," Ms Miller said.
Once the regulation is amended (expected by mid-2025), metering changes will include:
1. Coastal water users with works nominated by 100 ML or more in entitlements now have until 1 December 2026 to comply.
2. Water users with works nominated by total entitlement of >15 ML and <100 ML can install pattern-approved meters. These no longer need be DQP validated, and LID/telemetry is optional. The deadline to comply has been extended to 1 December 2027. Recording and reporting of use is mandatory.
3. Meters are no longer mandated for water users with works nominated by total entitlements of 15ML or less, but recording and reporting of use is mandatory.
The rules remain unchanged for those with pumps and bores below size-based thresholds, for whom recording and reporting of use is also mandatory.
"The extra time is a significant relief for farmers in our coastal regions who have been struggling to navigate the cost and complexities of metering regulations," Ms Miller said.
"These recommendations reflect the Government's recognition of smaller volume and low-risk works,
particularly among coastal water users who present a low risk to their water sources.
"Water users with works nominated by less than 100ML in entitlements account for less than four per cent of total water take across NSW. While there may be devil in the details, the changes will lift a weight from the shoulders of thousands of small farmers."
"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Government to develop practical solutions that balance the needs of water users with the objectives of best-practice sustainable water management," Ms Miller said.
