On average, over 40% of water share applications
that are submitted to Goulburn-Murray Water are missing important information
or contain incorrect details - deeming them ineligible - and preventing the
approval.
Manager Water Administration Ruth McGrath said application
requirements for water shares could be complex and G-MW encouraged applicants
wherever possible to seek professional advice from experienced brokers and
advisors.
She confirmed that some of the most common mistakes
related to applicants forgetting to sign the forms, using incorrect water share
reference numbers and not including the required 100 point identity checks with
their applications.
"To assist customers in getting their applications
correct and ensuring their transaction is processed efficiently G-MW has
conducted information sessions for water brokers, advisors and solicitors and
developed water trading checklists and information sheets for reference by customers
and their advisors before lodging a water share application," Ms McGrath said.
"Checklists for each application type are available
along with a range of other information from any G-MW office or can be
downloaded at www.g-mwater.com.au/customerservices/water-trading,"
Ms McGrath said.
"Getting applications right will be of particular
importance for applicants who are considering trading water shares for the
coming season. As in other years, G-MW
will hold a ballot to give all water share owners a chance at securing water
share trades out of their irrigation areas under the 4% limit".
On Monday 12 July 2010 G-MW
will conduct a ballot at its Tatura office for applications received between 21
June and 9 July 2010.
"Upon receipt
of application, applicants and the lodging party (if nominated) will be sent a
letter notifying them that the application has been received by G-MW and
is being held for the ballot. The letter will also include details of any
outstanding charges relating to the water share," Ms
McGrath said.
"The ballot determines the order for processing
applications lodged during the application period which will be the first
applications processed in 2010/11," Ms McGrath said.
"Applicants should take particular care when
completing applications during the ballot acceptance period
as the applications will not be checked or verified
by G-MW upon receipt," Ms McGrath said.
Applicants should check with their broker or
advisor to ensure their applications contain all the required information.
- ENDS -
Media Contact: Sheree
Fitzgerald
Position: Corporate Communications
Adviser
Telephone: 03 5833 5754