The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is set to begin the next phase of its Coffs Harbour Horticulture Water Compliance Project this month, with NRAR officers to inspect properties from Bonville to Halfway Creek.
Director of Water Regulation (East) at NRAR, Graeme White said the inspections would cover 19 horticultural operations that represented the region’s diversity in terms of industry, crop type, property size, and water source.
“This proactive campaign helps water users understand the conditions on their licences and works approvals, and ensures water is shared fairly amongst all water users and with the environment,” Mr White said.
“In the previous phases of this campaign in May 2019 and February 2020, NRAR officers inspected 31 properties and found 28 to be allegedly non-compliant with NSW’s water laws,” he said.
“Compliance with water take rules in the North Coast is a regulatory priority in response to public concern that has been received.”
Mr White said NRAR was encouraged by the swift response from many property owners who were working toward becoming compliant.
“However more needs to be done,” he said.
“NRAR has been actively engaging and educating water users in the region on the importance of compliance since mid-2019.”
Mr White said that not complying with the water laws was unfair to industry, other water users, communities and the environment.
