Funds are flowing and work has commenced on the $25 million Northern Murray-Darling Basin Metering Program being delivered in New South Wales and Queensland.
Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt said that it was essential that the program rollout brings tangible benefits to farmers and communities throughout the Basin.
“The Australian Government has made $25 million available through the program to improve water measurement and telemetry in the Northern Basin so water users can more easily comply with requirements,” Minister Pitt said.
“This is improving the information available to local communities, to water users and to compliance officers across the northern Basin.
“That means improved transparency for water users, better water management outcomes and stronger confidence for communities at the local level.
“New South Wales has listened to feedback from irrigators and other water users and is using its $12.5 million share to build industry capability, provide better access to accurate water information, and expand metering of water take.
“This initial payment of $725,000 to New South Wales will help establish a rebate program for water users and will also progress the paid metering traineeships for First Nations Australians in regional areas.
“Queensland is using its share of the funds to improve its capacity to measure and monitor water use in the Murray-Darling Basin over the next three years.
“Their initial payment of $895,000 will support development of a water app to capture water meter readings, start earthworks to build a meter testing facility and improve telemetry.
“This program is all about helping water users in New South Wales and Queensland to continually improve compliance with state metering requirements and in the process reinforce the integrity and accountability of water use throughout the Basin.
“Once this program is delivered it will ensure that water users have access to more timely data to improve farm management.”
