Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) reminds residents who live near water storages that they are required to make application before any works are undertaken near or in the water. These works may include the removal or planting of vegetation or the construction of structures and drainage lines. In addition to these requirements Shire planning and/or building approvals may be required.
David Jackson, G-MW Land and On-Water Manager said a structure was anything from a jetty, mooring, gazebo or even a boat ramp that was constructed or built. Vegetation planting or disturbance during construction may alter the bed and banks of the immediate or adjoining areas and may lead to erosion and water turbidity problems.
"It's G-MW's role to strike a balance between a water storage primary purpose of storing customer's water and the manageable level of infrastructure for recreation and amenity," Mr Jackson said.
"Jetties and moorings on our waterways can really add to the amenity of an area and also to the value of individual properties. G-MW supports such installations provided they are properly designed and constructed, do not pose any risk to the environment, water quality or public safety and are in keeping with the values of the local landscape," Mr Jackson said.
"We ask our residents in areas adjacent to water storages to contact G-MW before they begin any construction or vegetation clearance or planting works. A badly designed and constructed private or community asset can be dangerous, unsightly and harmful to our waterways and safe aquatic activities," Mr Jackson said.
"It's our role to ensure there is a fair and equitable system to manage recreational infrastructure and minimise the potential risks to the public and environment and there are regulations in place which may impose penalties and costs for remediation works on non compliant and unapproved works," Mr Jackson said
"We will continue working with storage residents, local Councils, Transport Safety Victoria, NSW Maritime and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to ensure our waterways and water storages strike the balance between the safe operation of the storages to deliver water services, the manageable level for waterway safety and infrastructure for recreation and amenity." Mr Jackson said.
To find out more about permits and approvals for water storages and waterways contact G-MW Property Service Unit on phone (03) 5826 3542 or visit www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/storages
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Media Contact: Sheree Fitzgerald
Position: A/Manager Stakeholder Relations
Telephone: (03) 5826 3754