Minister Lynham said effective metering and measurement is key to managing water resources and providing scientific integrity to water planning. 

“I have asked for this review, to ensure that Queensland has its house in order after the significant changes made under the previous LNP Government to the management and operation of our metering systems,” Mr Lynham said.

“The Queensland independent metering review will examine maintenance and operation of meters and water use reporting.”

QFF President Stuart Armitage said that it was important for the Queensland Government to take these steps to ensure an adequate framework was in place to manage the regulatory system for irrigation water in the Queensland Murray-Darling, and the state as a whole.

The QFF said the independent review will also provide input to the ongoing Australian Government inquiry into the allegations of illegal water taking and maladministration in the NSW Barwon-Darling river system recently aired on the ABC’s Four Corners program.

“QFF recognises the importance of accurate and effective metering in all irrigation areas across the state. You must be able to accurately measure water take to effectively manage compliance,” said Mr. Armitage.

“Irrigators depend and rely on robust and transparent regulation to help them manage their use of water.

“As water metering continues to be applied in new regions, it is essential that high standards of transparency exist to ensure the system continues to have the confidence of those already within and those joining a water sharing arrangement.

“A functional and productive water metering system relies on the combined confidence from irrigators, government and local communities. Without this, issues can arise that undermine the integrity of the system that is designed to mutually benefit all stakeholders.”

DNRM will be conducting an audit of existing water for irrigation take in the Queensland Murray-Darling catchments to ensure that entitlement holders are not exceeding their licence(s).

The independent review into rural water metering will provide its initial findings by November 2017, and will work with the national inquiry.