Those are the comments of state minister for regional water Niall Blair, speaking after this week’s guilty plea from a northern NSW irrigator accused of doing just that. 

Anthony Barlow, a cotton grower, entered the plea in the Land and Environment on Tuesday one year on after allegations were raised of water theft. 

He pleaded guilty to pumping during an embargo and while metering equipment was not working.

The issue of water theft was raised and highlighted in the ABC’s Four Corners program last year, resulting in a crackdown from the state government. 

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This year the NSW government established the Natural Resources Access Regulator, as well as stronger metering regulations, which will commence this December.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation chief executive officer Brett Jones has welcomed the actions of the government when it comes to water compliance. 

“There is no excuse for water theft – water is a precious resource and we don’t want this occurring in the MIA,” he said. 

“This year in particular, the value of water is top of mind for us all. 

“The renewed NSW government focus on compliance is a timely reminder for everyone in the MIA that the unauthorised taking of water can and does have consequences.”

Mr Barlow’s case is one of two being prosecuted by Water NSW. 

His parents were also charged with pumping water during the embargo, but they were dropped on Tuesday. 

Mr Blair issued a warning to irrigators, saying water theft would not be tolerated. 

“No one is above the law and anyone who thinks they can illegally take our most precious resource will be held to account,” he said.

“Twelve months ago we began the necessary steps to reform water management in NSW and make sure everyone had access to a fair and equitable system.

“We will continue to ensure that all water users, whether they’re small or large, at the top or bottom of the system - know that their right to this critical asset, is protected.” 

The NSW Greens took a different approach to the news, blasting cotton irrigators for what they say is an “excessive use of water” that is “leading to the demise of rivers and wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin”. 

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