The Minns Labor Government has paved a clear pathway for faster, fairer and more effective dispute resolution for irrigation customers in New South Wales by supporting the expansion of powers of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).
For the first time, customers of the state's five statutory irrigation corporations will be able to seek EWON's free, fair and independent assistance.
The reform gives farmers and irrigators in regional NSW the same protections as other water and energy consumers, helping to strengthen confidence in how water is managed and delivered across NSW.
EWON is a trusted and independent body that has been resolving energy and water complaints for over 25 years, managing nearly 28,000 complaints last year alone.
It will now manage complaints about water supply issues within irrigation corporations including billing, affordability, metering, customer service and land access.
This change delivers on reforms set out in the NSW Government's Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, which introduced a requirement for irrigation corporations to be members of a prescribed dispute resolution organisation.
Customers of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative, Jemalong Irrigation, Murray Irrigation, and Western Murray Irrigation will benefit from the reform from July 2026.
The NSW Government and EWON will work closely with the irrigation corporations over the coming months to finalise operational arrangements ahead of the start date.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
"This is about fairness and transparency for irrigation customers. For the first time, farmers and landholders connected to these irrigation corporations will have access to an independent, expert body to resolve their water supply complaints.
"EWON's "no wrong door" approach will simplify the complaints process and ensure all customers are treated consistently across NSW.
"Expanding the Ombudsman's role will help strengthen trust, accountability and confidence in how water is managed and delivered across regional NSW."
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW Janine Young said:
"Expanding our jurisdiction to include irrigation complaints ensures that customers in rural NSW have access to a fair, independent dispute resolution process, reflecting our commitment to improving consumer outcomes across essential services.
"Whether customers are facing billing issues, service complaints, or concerns about water access, affordability or land access, they will be able to come to EWON for trusted and independent advice or dispute resolution to reach a fair and impartial outcome."
