Water Regulator targets Muswellbrook area in Compliance Campaign

Compliance officers from the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will be out systematically checking compliance with water take laws in the Muswellbrook area in the week beginning 9 September.

Called Campaign Dhirridhirri (a Gomeroi word for ‘message bird’ or willy wagtail), the operation aims to visit 50 properties over three days.

NRAR has selected properties to inspect by using satellite imagery, compliance history and water licence conditions.

Director Regional Water Regulation (East) Greg Abood said his officers would be looking to better understand how water users are complying with water laws and the levels of compliance in the area.

The campaign will also be used to promote and encourage an attitude of active compliance in water users.

“We expect that water users know the rules, know their licence conditions and comply with the water laws,” Mr Abood said.

“During our inspections we will be available to answer questions about the rules.

“The campaign is to ensure there is a level playing field when it comes to compliance with the water laws.”

The campaign is the start of an ongoing routine monitoring program in the Hunter Rivers region, identified as one of NRAR’s top three regulatory priorities in the coastal region.

The NRAR Regulatory Priorities 2019-21 enables the regulator to focus activities on areas where there is high likelihood of non-compliance occurring, and where the impacts of non-compliance would be greater.

The NRAR’s investigators and compliance officers travel all over the state’s 57 water sharing plan areas, inspecting properties and assessing compliance with water users’ licences and the Water Management Act 2000.

To make a confidential report on suspected water misuse, go to the NRAR website at industry.nsw.gov.au/nrar and fill out a suspicious activity form.

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