ELIGIBLE water users have three weeks remaining to opt in to receive free telemetry and installation, saving significant out-of-pocket costs and helping them become compliant with metering rules.

Earlier this year, the Australian Government announced the $10.5 million Telemetry Uplift Program, which will deliver free state-of-the-art telemetry devices to more than 2500 groundwater and surface water sites across the NSW Murray−Darling Basin.

The program aims to boost the state’s water monitoring and management, ease costs for users, and help NSW fast-track its metering reforms.

There are now three weeks left for eligible water users to register their interest, before submissions close on March 31.

Eligible sites include those extracting from groundwater and unregulated river sources in the Murray−Darling Basin with an annual entitlement of 100 megalitres or greater.

Sites drawing from groundwater systems will be given first priority.

Telemetry supports sustainable water use by sending real-time data to water management agencies, helping to ensure licensed water taken from inland regional water sources is extracted fairly, equitably and according to the rules.

Accurate monitoring is crucial for water resource planning and compliance, and the use of telemetry reduces the need for licence holders to report manually, saving them time and money.

Telemetry installations are expected to begin in the first half of the year.

NSW DCCEEW director of metering and licensing, Dan Connor said there has been strong interest in the program from eligible water users across the state.

“We want even more people to take part. There are no strings attached – thanks to $10.5m in funding from the Australian Government, we will be providing thousands of free telemetry devices, along with installation and a generous defects warranty period, to eligible water users over the next two and a half years,” Mr Connor said.

“Anyone interested can learn more on our website, and those who qualify can opt-in in under five minutes by submitting an online form.

“This program is a huge win for everyone. Not only does it save water users time and money while helping them comply with the metering rules, it also enhances NSW’s ability to accurately measure each drop taken from our precious resources, and particularly from groundwater, which is critical for maintaining a healthy environment across the Basin.

“We invite all larger groundwater and unregulated river users within the Murray-Darling Basin and other licence holders who may be eligible to learn more and apply.”

Natural Resources Access Regulator director of regulatory initiatives, Ian Bernard, said inland works with entitlements of 100ML and greater are overdue to comply with the non-urban metering rules, and this includes having telemetry in place.

“This telemetry program is aimed to support water users and accelerate compliance, and we are supportive of any program that helps water users meet their obligations,” Mr Bernard said.

“NRAR continues to monitor and enforce compliance with the metering rules, with a focus on high-volume, high-risk water users including those targeted by the telemetry program.

“Act now to get into compliance and avoid consequences such as fines, interruptions to your water supply and, in extreme cases, prosecution.”

Online registration available HERE

Media Release