NRAR’s Maitland Pilot Program Highlights Importance of Face-to-Face Engagement for Water Compliance

A recent inspection program conducted by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) in the Maitland region has demonstrated the effectiveness of direct, face-to-face engagement with water users in improving compliance with water laws.
The reinspection pilot program targeted 93 properties that had previously breached water regulations. Following an initial visit from NRAR outreach staff, 78% of landholders took positive action to address compliance issues. However, 22% (21 properties) were still found to be non-compliant.

Common Compliance Challenges

NRAR Director of Education and Engagement Keeley Reynolds

Keeley Reynolds, NRAR’s Director of Education and Engagement, highlighted recurring issues in the Maitland region, including:
• Oversized water works.
• Expired approvals.
• Inaccurate or incomplete logbook records of water use.
“These visits were an opportunity for us to confirm whether the rules are being followed and to help landholders better understand their obligations,” Ms. Reynolds said.
She expressed optimism about the program’s outcomes:
“The effective management of water in NSW relies on accurate and consistent water use measurements. These site visits show that engaging directly with landholders fosters better compliance outcomes.”

Addressing Non-Compliance
NRAR is actively working with non-compliant landholders to ensure they meet regulatory obligations. Ms. Reynolds warned that continued non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, ranging from fines to suspension of approvals or, in serious cases, prosecution.

Understanding the Hunter Water Sharing Plan Area
The Maitland region forms part of the Hunter Water Sharing Plan, covering over 20,000km². Bordered by the Liverpool Ranges to the northwest and the Great Dividing Range to the west, it extends further inland than any other coastal region in NSW.
This diverse and expansive area underscores the importance of tailored, region-specific outreach to ensure water users understand and comply with regulations.

NRAR’s Commitment to Outreach
The NRAR’s Outreach Program visits thousands of licence holders annually to provide education and hear directly about their water management practices. During these visits, NRAR officers guide landholders on their obligations, fostering collaboration and compliance.
For more information about NRAR’s education and engagement initiatives, visit the NRAR website.

Blueberry Prices Fall as Australian Supply Peaks Amid Seasonal Overlap

By Ian Rogers

Blueberry prices across Australia have dropped significantly, with punnets now selling for under $2.50 in most capital cities due to a seasonal surge in supply. Earlier in the year, a gap in supply led to prices soaring up to $20 a punnet in some areas. However, with production in full swing, Australians are enjoying more affordable prices as local farms reach peak output.

In Western Australia, this price decline is fuelled by a strong local supply, as blueberry production in the northern region winds down while production in the south ramps up. “What you’re seeing is a crossover between the two regions. This [price level] will be consistent for the next month,” explained Joshua McGuinness, Mountain Blue’s general manager of sales and marketing.

While many of WA’s blueberries are locally sourced, some are typically imported from the eastern states. However, recent biosecurity measures to mitigate fruit fly risks have limited imports, creating more demand for locally grown berries and supporting WA farmers.

Rachel Mackenzie, Executive Director of Berries Australia, noted that low prices in peak season do not pose a significant concern for growers, who base profit margins on annual averages. “We need to consider the whole season’s average price to ensure growers can turn a profit,” Mackenzie said.

With demand variations across the country, WA farmers are also taking advantage of interstate opportunities. Berrysweet owner Anthony Yewers shared that he plans to send fruit to South Australia to help meet supply gaps caused by recent adverse weather in the eastern states.

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Strong Global Interest in Australian Macadamia Farms

By Ian Rogers

The Australian macadamia industry is experiencing significant growth, attracting strong global interest, particularly in the Bundaberg region of Queensland, one of the country’s largest macadamia-producing areas. Recently, two well-developed and highly productive macadamia orchards spanning 1,512 hectares have been listed for sale, offering a rare opportunity for investment in this high-growth industry.

The first property, Winfield Orchard, covers 750 hectares and boasts 68,730 trees. It has undergone significant rejuvenation, including strategic limb and row removal and irrigation upgrades, resulting in a production of 1,043 tonnes of macadamias in 2024. Additionally, there are 48 hectares of vacant plantable land, providing an opportunity for further development.

The second property, Miara Orchard, spans 762 hectares and contains 33,703 younger trees planted between 2020 and 2022. In 2024, it yielded 13.9 tonnes, with production expected to increase as the trees mature. Both properties benefit from proximity to major transport hubs, ensuring efficient distribution to both domestic and international markets.

This surge in interest aligns with global trends and rising demand for macadamias, particularly in Asia, offering robust opportunities for Australian producers. The Australian macadamia industry has seen production increase from 35,200 tonnes in 2013 to 51,500 tonnes in 2021, highlighting the sector’s growth and potential.

For those interested in exploring macadamia farm investments, resources such as Farmbuy.com provide listings and guides to assist potential buyers.

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