NRAR pursues beef producer over alleged illegal waterworks

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has initiated legal proceedings against a beef producer operating near Walcha in the Northern Tablelands. The company faces potential fines of up to $2 million for each of four charges, totaling a maximum of $8 million.

NRAR alleges that between July and September 2023, the producer constructed approximately six kilometres of unapproved water channels along the Macdonald River. These four channels, measuring between 70cm and 100cm deep and one metre wide, were built in and around a large wetland area.

Tim O'Connell, NRAR director of investigation and enforcement, stated that the alleged offending was discovered in October 2023 when an officer observed earthmoving machinery on site. While the area is not officially classified as a protected wetland, the regulator intends to argue in the NSW Land and Environment Court that the impacted site meets the definition of a wetland under New South Wales water legislation.