Water Regulator to audit properties from Bourke to Mungindi

Director of Regional Water Regulation Graeme White (2nd from right) at the Bourke Weir in May 2018 with Chief Regulatory Officer of NRAR Grant Barnes and compliance staff Chris Binks and Jim Speirs Photo TWH

Properties on the Barwon-Darling Rivers from Bourke to Mungindi will be visited by officers from the state’s water regulator this week as part of an audit campaign ‘Operation Yadhala Mil’.

The campaign by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will take place on traditional lands of several Indigenous nations, including the Ngemba, Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay.

The campaign’s name Yadhala Mil is Gamilaraay for ‘sharp eye’.

NRAR officers aim to audit a total of 22 properties around Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Collarenebri and Mungindi between 23-28 September.

Director Regional Water Regulation (West-Murray Darling) Graeme White said the fact the state was struggling through one of the worst droughts on record meant that ensuring fair access to water for regional communities, water users and the environment was even more critical.

“Extreme drought brings the necessity for water rules into even sharper focus,” Mr White said.

“Our officers will ensure the water users they visit know the rules and make sure they are adhering to their licence and approval conditions.

“They will be looking at licences, approvals, licensed floodplain works, logbooks and meter installations.

“In times of scarce supply every drop counts. NRAR’s role in ensuring compliance with water regulations is more important than ever, and we will have officers in key areas to monitor water take over the coming summer months.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.