About irrigation corporations
Irrigation corporations were established under the Irrigations Corporations Act 1994 and continue under the Water Management Act 2000. No new irrigation corporations can be created.
There are 5 irrigation corporations in NSW:
Each irrigation corporation operates under its own water access licences and approvals. Corporations:
- manage and operate systems and services to supply water
- manage and operate drainage networks.
An operating licence authorises each irrigation corporation to carry on the business of supplying water and exercise its functions.
Include into or exclude land from an irrigation corporation area of operation
An irrigation corporation may extend or reduce its area of operation by submitting a joint application with the owner of the land concerned.
Before you apply
The application requires detailed information and supporting documents. Before you apply, read the application guide and application form and gather all required information and documents.
How to apply
- print or download the application form
- complete the application form
- save the completed application form
- send the application form and any supporting documents to the department by email at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or post it to:
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Licensing and Approvals, Water Group
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124
Apply to include into or exclude land from the area of operation
Regulatory improvement program
The irrigation corporation regulatory improvement program (May 2025–June 2026) strengthened NSW irrigation corporation transparency, accountability and customer protections.
Key outcomes:
- independent dispute resolution established
- operating licences amended
- legacy licensing issues addressed
- cost-recovery fees established.
Independent dispute resolution now available
From 1 July 2026, irrigation corporation customers can access free, independent dispute resolution through the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).
Customers can lodge complaints about:
- billing
- metering
- customer service
- land access
- water delivery.
These changes were enabled by the Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, which requires irrigation corporations to be a member of a dispute resolution organisation to ensure fair, transparent handling of customer complaints.
Visit EWON
Amended irrigation corporation operating licences commenced on 1 July 2026, introducing:
- stronger enforcement mechanisms
- increased reporting
- mandatory dispute resolution requirements
- improved consumer protections.
Licences were updated in consultation with each irrigation corporation, including a formal submission process in early 2026.
Fees commenced 1 July 2026 to recover costs of administering irrigation corporation operating licences, consistent with Water Management Act 2000 requirements and best practice pricing.
Fees:
- use a cost recovery model
- are aligned with National Water Initiative principles
- will be reviewed after 2 years
- will be indexed annually from 2028.
Services and fee schedule
Inclusion and exclusion of land application fees
| Service | Fee (excl. GST) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Operations - Inclusion of land - first property | $2,324.67 | Target of 90% of applications completed within 30 business days, based on one property, additional time for additional properties |
| Area of Operations - Inclusion of land - additional property | $1,390.71# | Not applicable |
| Area of Operations - Exclusion of land - first property | $2,324.67 | Target of 90% of applications completed within 30 business days, based on one property, additional time for additional properties |
| Area of Operations - Exclusion of land - additional property | $1,390.71# | Not applicable |
| Advertising (if required) | $431.60* | Not applicable |
#Dependent on number of additional properties
*Dependent on number of objections
Operating licence fees
| Service | Fee (excl. GST) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Licence Annual Review - FY26/27 | $21,257.61 | Target of 90% of annual compliance reports completed within 120 business days, not including the time for technical referral. |
| Operating Licence Annual Review - FY27/28 | $30,058.38 | Target of 90% of annual compliance reports completed within 120 business days, not including the time for technical referral. |
| Operating Licence Renewal | $15,948.35 | Target of 90% of renewal applications completed within 120 business days not including the time for technical referral. |
| Fee for service to amend an operating licence | $15,086.24 | Target of 90% of amendments completed within 120 business days, not including the time for technical referral. |
Additional charges
| Service | Fee (excl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Area of Operations - Objections to Inclusion/ Exclusion and ad-hoc requests from irrigation corporations (daily rate) | $763.60 |
Consultation and supporting documents
Operating licences are publicly recorded in the NSW Government Gazette. See NSW Government Gazette number 259 dated 30 June 2026.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au