Queensland irrigators in unsupplemented water areas could save up to $120 a year by reading their own water meters as part of a new Queensland Government initiative.
The statewide roll out of self-reading of water meters will begin on June 30, 2014 to coincide with the end of the water year.
Saving irrigators time and money is part of our strong plan to deliver a brighter future for the agriculture industry, one of Queensland’s four economic pillars.
There are nearly 5,000 water meters in unsupplemented water areas throughout Queensland, with each one usually needing to be read twice a year.
The former Labor government relied on Sunwater to read water meters at a cost of $60 each, which was passed on directly to irrigators.
Self-reading of water meters is a common sense approach that will save irrigators money and continue to provide the Department of Natural Resources and Mines with vital data to help ensure water security for all water users.
Importantly, self-reading will enable entitlement holders to self-manage their water use and check their meter reading equipment and irrigation systems are working correctly.
The statewide rollout of water areas follows a highly successful pilot program in the Bowen Groundwater Management Area, where irrigators in the region saved more than $20,000 since April 2014.
Unsupplemented water areas are those where water is taken from a bore or watercourse and not supplemented by water releases from a dam or weir.
The Department is currently writing to water entitlement holders in unsupplemented water areas of Queensland to advise them about the new meter self-reading and reporting requirements.
Departmental officers will work directly with water users to ensure they understand how to read their water meters and submit readings. The first readings are due by 14 July 2014.
A new user-friendly online service, which is also compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones, will make submitting meter readings quick and easy in just a few minutes.
We will monitor the accuracy of meter readings submitted by water entitlement holders through an education and compliance program including analysis of data and on-site visits.
It is important entitlement holders are aware if they do not provide a water meter reading within the specified timeframe, they may be considered to have used all of their water entitlement.
This means they will be unable to trade any unused water entitlement for the remainder of the water year and may have applications under existing water sharing rules rejected.
More information about how to self-read water meters and submit readings is available at: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/water/access/water-meters.