Pilot project shows property visits are key to better water law compliance

A reinspection program by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has highlighted the value of face-to-face contact with water users to achieve better water law compliance.

The reinspection pilot program run by NRAR around Casino on the Far North Coast, and Maitland in the Hunter Valley visited 145 properties.

Visits at Casino showed that most of the 52 properties visited had taken positive action to better meet their obligations.

The properties targeted had previously breached water rules but after an initial visit from NRAR outreach staff, 83% of them had acted to improve water compliance on their property. Just 17% (9) were still breaching the rules.

Around Maitland the majority of the 93 properties visited had also taken steps to comply.

In that area, 78% of the water licence holders had acted to improve water compliance on their property. Just 22% (21) were still breaching the rules.

NRAR Director of Education and Engagement, Keeley Reynolds said common problems previously seen in the area included water works that were too big, approvals that had expired and failure to keep accurate logbook records of water used.

“These visits were an opportunity for us to confirm whether the rules are being followed, and to help landholders understand their obligations.” Ms Reynolds said.

"We are really encouraged by the results,” she said.

“The effective management of water in NSW depends on accurately and consistently measuring water use – and we are working closely with licence holders to ensure that happens.

“Many NSW water licence holders haven't had an interaction with the water regulator for years. These site visits show meeting people on their property and helping them understand what they need to do leads to better outcomes.”

Ms Reynolds said NRAR was working with the landholders who were not yet compliant to ensure they met their obligations.

"Continued failure to comply with the water rules could lead to enforcement action, which can range from fines to approval suspensions and even prosecution for the most high-risk, significant cases," she said.

NRAR's Outreach program sees the regulator visit thousands of licence holders on their properties each year to hear directly from them about their water management practices. While they’re there, NRAR officers help them understand their obligations.

Find out more about NRAR’s education and engagement activities.