Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt said it was essential the rollout of the Northern Murray-Darling Basin Metering Program brought tangible benefits to farmers and communities throughout the basin.
He said the funding would improve water measurement and telemetry in the northern basin.
“This is improving the information available to local communities, to water users and to compliance officers across the northern basin,” Mr Pitt said.
“That means improved transparency for water users, better water management outcomes and stronger confidence for communities at the local level.
“NSW has listened to feedback from irrigators and other water users and is using its $12.5 million share to build industry capability, provide better access to accurate water information, and expand metering of water take.”
He said an initial payment of $725,000 to NSW would help establish a rebate program for water users and would progress paid metering traineeships for First Nations people in regional areas.
Queensland will use its initial payment of $895,000 to support development of a water app to capture water meter readings, start earthworks to build a meter testing facility and improve telemetry.
“This program is all about helping water users in NSW and Queensland to continually improve compliance with state metering requirements and in the process reinforce the integrity and accountability of water use throughout the basin,” Mr Pitt said.
