THE roll-out of free state-of-the-art water monitoring devices for up to 2500 water-users has kicked into high gear after the NSW Government awarded businesses Goanna Ag and Kallipr the tender to supply and install the equipment across inland regions of the state.

It’s the next phase of the Australian Government’s $10.5 million Telemetry Uplift Program, working to save eligible water-users significant out-of-pocket costs while helping them become compliant with metering rules.

The devices track and transmit water-usage data, providing farmers and landholders real-time insights and reducing the need for manual reporting.

More than 400 water-users have opted into the popular program, and companies will contact applicants directly in the coming weeks to arrange installation, which will commence over the coming months.

The offer also includes a generous defects warranty period.

There are still program places open, larger water users are encouraged to apply now. Eligible sites include those extracting from groundwater, regulated and unregulated river sources in the Murray−Darling Basin with an annual entitlement of 100 ML or greater.

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

Accurate monitoring is crucial for water resource planning and by simplifying compliance and reducing the need for manual reports, it saves licence holders time and money.

The Telemetry Uplift Program will boost the state’s water monitoring and management, easing costs for water-users, and helping New South Wales fast-track metering reforms.

NSW DCCEEW executive director of operations resilience Ashraf El-Sherbini said the Telemetry Uplift Program is cutting edge.

“It’s fantastic to see this program roll-out as we gear up to deliver cutting-edge telemetry across the NSW Murray-Darling Basin over the next two years,” he said.

“These companies bring strong industry experience and operational expertise and will be critical in getting these devices installed and up and running on-farm, accurately measuring extraction and assisting water users to comply with their obligations.

“Free telemetry means significant time and cost-savings, while strengthening our ability to accurately measure water taken from the Basin, which benefits everyone.

“We urge other water users to opt-in while the offer lasts. The process is simple, quick and easy and can be done in under 5 minutes online, and we invite all larger regulated, unregulated and groundwater users within inland NSW to learn more and act now,” he said.

For more information, go to Telemetry Uplift Program.