New "Umpire" to Oversee Irrigation Disputes Across Western NSW

In Short

• New Legal Protections: The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) now has the power to independently mediate disputes between farmers and irrigation corporations.

• Levelling the Field: The move ends the era of corporations being a "law unto themselves," providing rural landholders the same consumer rights as urban water users.

• Regional Impact: Member for Murray Helen Dalton hails the reform as a win for families in Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling who have long sought accountability in water management.

Local farming families and irrigators across the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling shires are set to gain new legal protections following an expansion of powers for the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).

The shift comes after the NSW Government granted the Ombudsman the authority to independently mediate disputes between irrigation customers and the state’s five statutory irrigation corporations.

For communities in the western Riverina and Far West, where water access is the backbone of the local economy, the move aims to bridge a long-standing gap in consumer rights.

Levelling the Playing Field

Previously, many water users felt disadvantaged when navigating conflicts with large irrigation corporations, citing a lack of external oversight.

The new resolution system is designed to provide regional irrigators with the same standard of protection currently afforded to urban water and energy consumers.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, who lobbied for the changes, suggested the previous framework left little recourse for landholders.

“Until now, the system has been broken and the irrigation companies had all the power,” Dalton said.

“I thank the Minns Government, and Water Minister Rose Jackson, for listening to rural communities and making this important change.”

Impact on Local Shires

For residents in Central Darling and Balranald, where water security and management are constant points of contention, the presence of an independent "umpire" is expected to alter the relationship between corporations and customers.

Ms. Dalton noted that the mere existence of EWON oversight would likely influence how corporations handle grievances moving forward.

“All we have ever wanted is the same level of protections people in the cities get when they have a conflict with their water companies,” Dalton said.

“We never wanted a better deal. We only ever wanted the same protections as everyone else.”

Accountability for Corporations

The reform targets the statutory corporations that manage bulk water delivery. By providing a pathway to the Ombudsman, the government aims to ensure that disputes over billing, infrastructure, or service delivery are handled without the need for costly and time-consuming legal battles.

“These irrigation companies have been a law unto themselves, and that will change thanks to these reforms,” Dalton said.

“I’m already receiving really positive feedback about the Ombudsman getting these additional powers. People are breathing a sigh of relief.”

The Energy and Water Ombudsman is now equipped to begin investigating complaints from irrigation customers, providing a centralised point of contact for those seeking independent review.