![COMING TOGETHER: Namoi Water held the meeting in Gunnedah. COMING TOGETHER: Namoi Water held the meeting in Gunnedah.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/37sRjZccYfaNxXbGxARzun2/530ec1c2-1ce3-4f66-a617-2d98c62a58db.jpg/r0_0_610_333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
UPCOMING change in the state’s water metering policy was top of the agenda at a recent meeting in Gunnedah.
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Hosted by Namoi Water, the meeting gave local irrigators a chance to raise their concerns about changes that will see irrigators across the state install mandatory meters to monitor water usage.
Namoi Water chief executive Jon Maree Baker said locals had raised many concerns about the new policy.
“We had a cracking turnout and a really good question and answer session,” Ms Baker said.
“The detail around the policy is something that many licence holders in the region are concerned about and this was a good chance for them to raise those concerns.
“One such detail was the availability of approved water meters.
“We have around 1000 licence holders in the region alone and only one manufacturer, so that is certainly a common concern.”
The meeting came fresh off the back of consultation by the NSW Department of Industry – Water, which drew criticism for its format.
“I don’t think the department fully realise the issues,” Ms Baker said.
“We extended an invitation for someone from the department to join us for this meeting but they declined.
“Personally, I just don’t think they are capable of engaging with the community and, with the way things are currently going, there could be quite a few people who are non-compliant when the policy comes into effect and no one wants that.”
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A Department of Industry – Water spokesperson said they could not attend the meeting.
“The Department of Industry – Water received an invitation from Namoi Water on September 17 to attend the meeting,” the spokesperson said.
“However, the water taskforce advised they couldn't attend at short notice as they were already scheduled to travel to Bega, Albury, Griffith and Deniliquin that week to meet with stakeholders about metering.
“The taskforce offered to visit Gunnedah the following week, but this offer was declined.
“The water taskforce also invited Namoi Water to the metering webinar, consisting of a presentation, questions and answers, held on September 24.
“The webinar was very successful, with about 40 people actively participating and asking approximately 20 questions of the panel following the presentation.
“Those who did not attend can view a video presentation on water metering and find more information at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water-reform/consultation.”