Telemetry devices

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

When connected to a water meter, telemetry devices make it easier to provide timely and accurate water measurement data to water users, and us, to meet your water measurement obligations under the Water Act 2000.

Telemetry devices help:

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

Subsidy to install a device

A subsidy is available to support holders of a relevant authorisation (HRAs) 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.

Telemetry devices are required to be installed on non-urban, surface water meters by 1 December 2026, under the Water Regulation 2016. This subsidy is available in the following water management areas (WMAs) within the Queensland Murray Darling Basin (QMDB):

  • Lower Balonne
  • Condamine and Balonne
  • Upper Condamine
  • Condamine and Balonne Tributaries
  • Moonie
  • Stanthorpe.

Accessing the subsidy and arranging installation

Goanna Ag is the only supplier installing these devices under this subsidy.

To arrange installation of a subsidised telemetry device call Goanna Ag on (07) 4671 3790.

If you are a SunWater customer in the eligible WMAs, SunWater is coordinating subsidised installations and will contact you directly.

Read the Telemetry subsidy information sheet (PDF, 771KB) to understand what you need to know and what you need to do.

Responsibilities of HRAs

Once the telemetry device is installed, you are immediately responsible for making sure the device remains functional and is properly maintained. This means you must ensure the device operates as required and complies with the Water Regulation 2016.

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

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

Having a telemetry device installed on your surface water meter is a legislative requirement under the Water Regulation 2016 and all HRAs must meet the installation deadline to remain compliant with the regulation.

Schedule 11 of the Water Regulation 2016 lists the:

  • QMDB authorisations required to have telemetry devices
  • required installation date
  • reporting frequency of telemetry information to the department
  • the standards that telemetry devices must meet.

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.

Additional information

This $3.7 million Increase Telemetry Capability project is being delivered by the Queensland Government with funding from the Australian Government.

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