The rollout of free, state-of-the-art water monitoring devices for up to 2,500 water users is gaining momentum across inland New South Wales.
Two Australian businesses, Goanna Ag and Kallipr, have been awarded the tender to supply and install the devices under the Australian Government’s $10.5 million Telemetry Uplift Program, which aims to reduce compliance costs for licence holders while strengthening the state’s water management network.
More than 400 water users have already opted into the program, which provides equipment, installation, and a warranty at no cost to eligible participants. Companies will begin contacting successful applicants in the coming weeks to arrange installations, with rollout expected to continue through 2026.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Executive Director of Operations Resilience, Ashraf El-Sherbini, said the program will transform how regional water data is managed and monitored.
“It’s fantastic to see this program roll out as we gear up to deliver cutting-edge telemetry across the NSW Murray–Darling Basin over the next two years,” El-Sherbini said.
“These companies bring strong industry experience and operational expertise and will be critical in getting these devices installed and up and running on-farm, accurately measuring extraction and assisting water users to comply with their obligations.”
Improving accuracy and compliance through telemetry technology
The telemetry devices track and transmit water usage data in near real time, providing farmers and license holders with immediate insights into extraction levels. The data is also shared with water management agencies to help ensure that licensed water from regional sources is extracted fairly and equitably, within regulatory limits.
By automating reporting, telemetry removes the need for manual meter readings, saving licence holders significant time and administrative effort. It also reduces reporting errors and improves the accuracy of long-term water resource planning.
“Free telemetry means significant time and cost-savings, while strengthening our ability to accurately measure water taken from the Basin, which benefits everyone,” El-Sherbini said.
Supporting sustainable water management in regional NSW
Telemetry supports sustainable water use by improving transparency and accountability across the Murray–Darling Basin. It ensures inland water sources — including groundwater, regulated, and unregulated river systems — are managed within entitlement rules and in line with state and national reforms.
The Telemetry Uplift Program forms part of the NSW Government’s broader metering reform agenda. Removing up-front equipment costs helps rural businesses and larger licence holders transition to digital monitoring while improving compliance outcomes.
Eligible water users include those extracting from groundwater and river sources in the Murray–Darling Basin with annual entitlements of 100 megalitres or more.
El-Sherbini encouraged other licence holders to apply while places remain open.
“We urge other water users to opt in while the offer lasts. The process is simple, quick, and easy, and can be done online in under five minutes. We invite all larger regulated, unregulated and groundwater users within inland NSW to learn more and act now,” he said.
The program will continue to roll out across inland NSW over the next two years, ensuring consistent data collection, greater water transparency, and improved resource management across the state.
For more information and to apply, visit the NSW DCCEEW website.