Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $1,000 for a local intelligence device (LID) installed from 1 July 2024 until 31 Jan 2025 and up to $2,000 for a LID installed from 1 Feb 2025
- Application opened: 19 February 2026
- Application closes: 30 June 2027
Program objective
The existing ‘opt in’ process for the installation of telemetry using government contractors remains available. An expression of interest can be made through the Telemetry Uplift Program page Telemetry Uplift Program | Water
For eligible water users who wish to engage their own duly qualified person (DQP) to install telemetry equipment application can be made for payment for the:
- Reimbursement for retrospective installations - targeted to water users who have installed (and validated) a local intelligence device (LID) between 1 July 2024 and 31 January 2025 and who have not received other government incentive payments.
- Reimbursement for installations – targeted to water users who have installed (and validated) a LID on or after 1 February 2025.
The program does not cover the installation of meters.
This program is administered by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- You must be a landholder in the Murray-Darling Basin with an entitlement of 100ML or more, or usage in any one year of the last 3 years greater than 100ML.
- Targeted to water users who have already installed (and validated) a local intelligence device (LID) who have not received other government incentive payments.
- Targeted to water users who want to use their own duly qualified person (DQP) to install telemetry equipment.
Location that are eligible include Albury City, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume Shire, Griffith, Hay, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Wentworth
Types of projects funded under this grant
Eligible sites include those extracting from groundwater, regulated and unregulated river sources in the Murray−Darling Basin with an annual entitlement of 100 ML or greater, or usage in any one year of the last 3 years greater than 100ML.
When the project can start and end
The project should be started by 1 July 2024 and the project must be completed by 30 June 2027.
Outcomes for projects funded under this grant
Telemetry is now required for both groundwater and surface water works for water users with cumulative entitlements of 100ML or more, unless otherwise exempt.
Telemetry offers significant benefits, even for those not required to install it. By connecting your equipment to the NSW Government’s telemetry system, you can simplify compliance and reduce the need for manual water take recording and reporting.
Additionally, you’ll gain access to your data in real-time via a private online dashboard and receive email notifications if your telemetry system stops transmitting, keeping you informed and on top of your water management.
Accurate, consistent and timely metering data is important for effective water resource management. It improves water planning, sharing and policy decisions and enables fair enforcement for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Who can’t apply
- Water users who installed telemetry up to 30 June 2024 received a $975 rebate that was automatically applied to their water bill under the Commonwealth funded NSW Telemetry Rebate Program. Water users in receipt of this rebate will not be eligible for TUP cashback.
- Water users seeking to replace a LID which is no longer working
- Water users who have already engaged the government contractor for the installation of a LID
Types of projects not funded under this grant
- Installation of a water meter
- Installation of a non-compatible LID Compatible LIDs for Non-Urban Metering | Water
What co-contributions are required
The value of the rebate is up to $2,000 depending on the date of installation. Applicants are responsible for the contribution of any costs above the rebate amount.
Most recent recipients
What was approved
Approved for Magesta Pty Limited
Reimbursement for the installation of a local intelligence telemetry device by a duly qualified person to measure water take data
$2,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary WaterDate approved
April 2026Location of the project
Gulgong 2852Location of the recipient
Palm Beach 2108About the grant
Applications approved
48
Applications received
67
Installation of Local Intelligence Telemetry Devices
Program term
23/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Mungindi Golf Club Limited
Reimbursement for the installation of a local intelligence telemetry device by a duly qualified person to measure water take data
$2,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary WaterDate approved
April 2026Location of the project
Mungindi 2406Location of the recipient
Mungindi 2406About the grant
Applications approved
48
Applications received
67
Installation of Local Intelligence Telemetry Devices
Program term
09/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Benjamin Holmes
Reimbursement for the installation of a local intelligence telemetry device by a duly qualified person to measure water take data
$1,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary WaterDate approved
April 2026Location of the project
Yetman 2410Location of the recipient
Yetman 2410About the grant
Applications approved
48
Applications received
67
Installation of Local Intelligence Telemetry Devices
Program term
09/06/2026What was approved
Approved for David Fleming
Reimbursement for the installation of a local intelligence telemetry device by a duly qualified person to measure water take data
$2,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary WaterDate approved
April 2026Location of the project
Walgett 2832Location of the recipient
Walgett 2832About the grant
Applications approved
48
Applications received
67
Installation of Local Intelligence Telemetry Devices
Program term
23/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Craig Lamond
Reimbursement for the installation of a local intelligence telemetry device by a duly qualified person to measure water take data
$2,000 was approved by
Deputy Secretary WaterDate approved
April 2026Location of the project
Billimari 2804Location of the recipient
Billimari 2804About the grant
Applications approved
48
Applications received
67
Installation of Local Intelligence Telemetry Devices
Program term
09/06/2026What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
- Water licence number(s) linked to the meter
- WaterNSW issued Validation Certificate for the works
- Upload one document confirming the bank account for grant payment. The document must show the account name, BSB and account number, and be in the applicant’s name. Acceptable documents include a recent bank statement, an official letter from the bank, or a screenshot/PDF from online banking. Deposit slips and handwritten documents are not accepted.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Applicants must submit an application through SmartyGrants, the nominated online grants management system during the advertised application period. Applications must be completed in full and include all mandatory supporting documentation.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Deputy Secretary Water
On submission, the Metering and Licensing Team will review the application for eligibility. If the application meets the eligibility requirements and contains the required supporting documentation, including a WaterNSW issued validation certificate, the team will endeavour to make payment as soon as possible.
Support and contact
Metering and Licensing Team
Phone: 1300 081 047 (business hours)