Water regulator to check Sydney schools, parks and golf courses
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will inspect Sydney schools, council parks, and golf courses for the first time to make sure they are complying with water laws.
During June, NRAR Outreach officers will inspect up to 100 sites around Hurstville, Cook Park, Botany Bay, Mascot, Eastlakes, South Coogee, Randwick, Bondi and North Bondi.
The independent regulator is best known for its work to ensure fair use of the state's water resources in rural and regional areas, particularly in irrigated agriculture and the protection of at-risk groundwater sources.
However, NRAR Director Education and Engagement Keeley Reynolds said complying with water laws was important for everyone, everywhere, every day.
“Some Sydneysiders might think water management rules are only for farmers way out west,” Ms Reynolds said.
“But even in the middle of Sydney, we need to share and accurately account for water to protect and benefit communities, the environment and industry,” she said.
“The Australian Bureau of Meteorology long range forecast for winter is predicting a high chance of drier and warmer conditions across almost all of Australia, so we need to make sure everyone is following the rules.”
Ms Reynolds said site visits would start in mid-June and were intended to help water licence holders to comply, give them confidence to meet their obligations, and equip them with the right information for their situation.
“This is about helping licence holders to understand the rules while offering support and guidance so they can comply with them,” Ms Reynolds said.
“We know the majority of people and businesses 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 licence holder first and then check their water practices such as maintaining logbooks, the way works are constructed and how water is being used.
This area falls within the Greater Metropolitan Water Sharing Plan (WSP) and includes the catchment of the Georges and Cooks rivers and other water ways.
This large WSP region stretches from the edge of the Hunter Valley, south through the Hawkesbury River area, through 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.
