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.

Who needs to install a telemetry device

Telemetry devices are required to be installed on non-urban, surface water meters in the following water management areas (WMAs) located in the Queensland Murray Darling Basin (QMDB) by 1 December 2025:

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

This is a legislative requirement under the Water Regulation 2016 and all Holders of the Relevant Authorisation (HRAs) must meet this deadline to remain compliant with the regulation.

Schedule 11 lists the:

  • authorisations required to have telemetry devices
  • required date for installation
  • reporting frequency of telemetry information to the us.

The Water Regulation 2016 specifies which entitlements will be required to install telemetry devices and for example, any standards for these devices.

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.

Subsidy to install your device

A subsidy is available to support water users to meet their telemetry requirements and covers the:

  • cost of installing a telemetry device
  • first 12 months of data services and maintenance.

This subsidy is available in the following WMAs within the QMDB:

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

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

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.

Responsibilities of HRAs

Upon installation, responsibility for the telemetry device passes directly from the supplier to you.

As the subsidy only covers the first 12 months of data services and maintenance, after this period:

  • ongoing maintenance and data services are your responsibility
  • the telemetry supplier will bill you for data service provision and any maintenance call-outs.

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

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