Also, eligible will be customers of Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative, Jemalong Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, and Western Murray Irrigation.
The expansion, enabled by the Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, requires irrigation corporations to be members of a dispute resolution organisation.
It provides irrigation customers with the same independent complaints' pathway already available to other water and energy consumers across NSW.
Complaints can be lodged with EWON for independent review at no cost, and can include:
• Supply interruptions or delivery issues
• Billing and charges
• Customer service and complaint handling
• Metering disputes
• Infrastructure impacts on customers or neighbouring landholders.
Last financial year, EWON managed 27,588 complaints across the energy and water sectors.
It operates independently of government and industry and is not a consumer advocacy body.
For matters outside its jurisdiction, EWON will refer customers to the most appropriate organisation through its "no wrong door" referral service.
Energy & Water Ombudsman Janine Young said the expansion would benefit rural communities.
“Expanding our jurisdiction to include irrigation complaints ensures that customers in rural NSW have access to a fair, independent dispute resolution process, reflecting our commitment to improving consumer outcomes across essential services,” she said.
“Whether customers are facing billing issues, service complaints, or concerns about water access, affordability or land access, they will be able to come to EWON for trusted and independent advice or dispute resolution to reach a fair and impartial outcome.”
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