NRAR checks water law compliance in Richmond-Windsor region

Outreach officers from the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will be in the Richmond-Windsor region for the first time next week to support water users trying to comply with NSW water laws.

The independent water regulator expects to visit up to 50 properties around North Richmond, Mulgrave, Freemans Reach, Windsor and McGraths Hill in May.

NRAR Director Education and Engagement, Keeley Reynolds, said site visits help water users to comply, give them confidence to meet their obligations, and equip them with the right information for their situation.

“This is about helping landholders to understand key aspects of water management while offering support and guidance so they can comply with the rules,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We know the majority of people want to do the right thing, and we want to help them get there.”

When NRAR officers visit a property, they typically meet with the landholder first and then check such things as logbooks, the way works are constructed and how water is being used on the property.

Water users in the Richmond-Windsor area have until 1 December 2024 to install compliant meters and NRAR officers can help get them ready far in advance of their deadline.

This area falls within the Greater Metropolitan Water Sharing Plan (WSP) area and the catchment of the Hawkesbury River.

This large WSP region takes in an area stretching from the edge of the Hunter, south through the Hawkesbury River area, through greater Sydney and down to parts of the Goulburn, Wollongong, and Shoalhaven LGAs.

During 2022, carrying out unlawful activities on waterfront land (controlled activities) was the most common alleged offence found in the Greater Metropolitan WSP area.

Quarterly reporting data for the period showed that in the Greater Metro WSP region, this alleged offence type was the most common in all but one quarter, ranging between 45% and 67% of all alleged offences recorded.

“By 1 December next year, landholders in this region with surface water pumps more than 100mm and groundwater bores more than 200mm need to have installed a fully compliant meter to measure their water use,” Ms Reynolds said.

“It might seem like a long way off, but now is the time to start the process so that when the deadline arrives, you will be ready.

“Our officers can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction to comply.”

The Department of Planning and Environment has developed a metering guidance tool, which will help water users determine if they need to meet the new rules.

NRAR officers will also be visiting properties in the Campbelltown-Narellan region during May.