Richmond Wilson Combined Water Users Association Welcomes Extension of Metering Compliance Deadline

The NSW Government has recommended extending the metering compliance deadline until December 2026 for coastal water users.

Richmond Wilson Combined Water Users Association chairman Chris Magner, said the association has been advocating on behalf of water users in the North Coast for the past year, with this extension recognising the unique nature of coastal farming operations.

“This extension follows a long campaign by RWCWUA, which included numerous meetings and submissions to the government’s final report,” Mr Magner said.

“This outcome is a prime example of how important this group is; our members can focus on their farms and businesses producing food and fibre, while we engage with decision makers to achieve productive and sustainable policy outcomes.

“We support the Government’s decision to extend the coastal compliance deadline to 1 December 2026 and to remove pre-existing approval conditions that required early compliance. These changes will give water users breathing room to understand the updated metering rules and plan their next steps, while other compliance barriers are addressed.

“Given the Government has come to the table and granted this extension, we encourage water users to stay informed about metering rules and continue taking steps towards compliance. We are here to help water users who would like assistance navigating what can be a very technical and complicated space.”

RWCWUA will continue to work closely with the Government to resolve remaining issues of concern such as affordability, compliance requirements for wells, and how the proposed rules will apply to multiple water sources on the same landholding.

The report recommends:

1. For water users with surface water pumps of size equal to or greater than 500mm: No change, these works must comply now.
2. For water users with works nominated by 100 ML or more in entitlements, unless otherwise exempt under the size-based threshold: The new coastal compliance deadline is 1 December 2026.
3. For water users with works nominated by total entitlement of more than 15 ML and less than 100 ML: Pattern-approved meters can be installed, with DQP validation no longer required. LID/telemetry remains optional, and compliance has been extended to 1 December 2027. Recording and reporting of use are mandatory.
4. For water users with works nominated by total entitlements of 15 ML or less: Meters are not mandated, but recording and reporting of use are still required.
5. For water users with pumps and bores below the size-based thresholds (bores less than 200mm and pumps less than 100mm): Meters are not mandated, but recording and reporting of use are still required.

“The extra time is a significant relief for farmers in our coastal regions who have been struggling to navigate the cost and complexities of metering regulations,” Mr Magner said.

“RWCWUA is very welcoming of new members and we would greatly appreciate the support of those people who are not yet signed up. We can achieve great things for water users along the Richmond River when we present as a united front.

“If any water user would like to find out more about how we can support you please contact the NSW Irrigators’ Council head office on 9264 3848 or nswic@nswic.org.au and they can help you sign up.”