A Moree company operating near Walgett has been fined more than $250,000 for constructing and using a channel to take water illegally.
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The company was found to have breached section 91B (1) of the Water Management Act 2000 and fined a total of $252,000 in the Land and Environment Court late last month.
Constructed in July-August 2015, the unlawful channel was approximately two kilometres long and 30 metres in total width, and was allegedly taking water pumped from the Macquarie River.
In his judgement, Justice Moore noted that where a substantial, cotton-growing enterprise has constructed unlawful works as part of its business activities, a strong deterrence message must be sent to all water users.
In addition to the $252,000 fine, the company will also be required to publish a public notice outlining the judgement in both The Land and the Moree Champion.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of $1.1m.
The case brought by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) and chief regulatory officer Grant Barnes said the regulator takes strong action when required and does not make the decision to prosecute lightly.
"In times of scarce supply every drop counts, and we will continue to take strong regulatory action when required to deliver effective, transparent and accountable enforcement of our water laws," he said.
Mr Barnes was recently in Moree to meet with water users ahead of the launch of a new Routine Monitoring Program.
NRAR's investigators and compliance officers travel all over the state's 58 water sharing plan areas, inspecting properties and assessing compliance with water users' licences and the Water Management Act 2000.
To make a confidential report on suspected water misuse, go to industry.nsw.gov.au/nrar or contact the NRAR Hotline on 1800 633 362 during business hours.
