Telemetry devices

A telemetry device is a digital device that automatically records and transmits data from remote locations.

When installed and connected to a certified water meter, telemetry devices provide timely and accurate water measurement data, making it easier for water users to monitor water take and manage resources effectively.

Subsidy to install a telemetry device

A subsidy is available to support holders of a relevant authorisation (HRAs) in the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin (QMDB) to meet their telemetry requirements and covers:

  • telemetry device supply and installation
  • first 12 months of data services and maintenance.

There is no upfront cost to the HRA.

You can review the subsidy information sheet (PDF, 387KB) for more details.

Due dates for telemetry device installations

Telemetry devices must be installed on non-urban, surface water meters in the following QMDB water management areas by the specified due dates, listed in the Water Regulation 2016 and below:

  • Telemetry due by 1 December 2026
    • Lower Balonne
    • Condamine and Balonne
    • Upper Condamine
    • Condamine and Balonne tributaries
    • Moonie
    • Stanthorpe.
  • Telemetry due by 1 December 2027
    • Border Rivers
    • Gowrie Oakey Creek
    • Warrego/Paroo/Nebine
    • Upper/Northern/Lower Weir River
    • Callandoon Creek
    • Macintyre Brook.

Accessing the subsidy and arranging installation

To arrange installation of a subsidised telemetry device, contact either:

Installation for Sunwater customers

If you are a Sunwater customer with a dual-purpose meter (that is, you take both supplemented and unsupplemented water through the same meter) in the following water supply schemes, Sunwater will coordinate telemetry device installations:

  • Chinchilla
  • St George
  • Upper Condamine
  • Cunnamulla
  • Macintyre Brook.

Note: Sunwater owns the meters and will install their compatible telemetry devices.

To discuss your telemetry installation or for further information, phone Sunwater on 13 15 89.

Responsibilities of HRAs

Once the telemetry device is installed, you are immediately responsible for making sure the device remains functional and is properly maintained and ensure the device operates as required and complies with the Water Regulation 2016. You must report any faults to us.

The subsidy covers the costs of the first 12 months of data services and maintenance. After this period:

  • you are responsible for paying the supplier for ongoing data services and any maintenance call-outs
  • the telemetry supplier will bill you directly for these costs.

Manual meter reads are still required

Manual meter reads are still required to meet statutory reporting requirements under the Water Act 2000 (even if a telemetry device is installed).

Who doesn't need to install a telemetry device

HRAs located in other areas of Queensland (outside of QMDB) are not required to install telemetry devices.

If you are exempt from requiring a water meter, you are not required to install telemetry. Read more about who needs to install a measurement device.

Additional information

Telemetry devices help:

  • track water take in near real time
  • improve water management
  • support compliance with water entitlement conditions.

Funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water through the telemetry uplift program.

For further details email Telemetry.Program@dlgwv.qld.gov.au.