Cutting red tape for water licences

Applying for water licences is set to be transformed with the NSW Government allocating $14.8 million in the 2022-23 Budget to modernise and improve water licensing and approvals processes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is making life easier for farmers and businesses.

“Each year around 10,000 farmers and businesses go through the process of applying for a water licence and the paperwork that comes with it can be time consuming,” Mr Toole said.

“This funding will help create a more streamlined system that will cut red tape, making the process quicker and easier to navigate and cutting down time spent away from the paddock.”

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government had listened to the concerns of businesses and communities and would now focus on redesigning inefficient processes.

“We understand how important water is, particularly to regional communities, and we want to make life easier for people as they conduct business in NSW,” Mr Anderson said.

“Farmers want to be out farming, not filling in paperwork."

“That is why I’m so excited to have secured funding in the NSW Budget to improve the water licensing framework and implement better online integration between assessment agencies."

“This will help people know which agency is dealing with their application and who best to contact if there is a problem or for information."

“In the long run this funding will reduce administrative costs and help strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of water use across NSW.”

Deniliquin irrigation farm courtesy of Josh Small.