Dairy Shed Water Licence Transition Program

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is running a program, to provide an opportunity for dairy farmers to accurately licence water used in Victoria's dairy sheds sourced from groundwater or unregulated surface water.

Please note: This program does not apply to dairy sheds supplied exclusively by water from the regulated system (channels, egulated rivers etc) and/or roof rainfall runoff.

Dairy farmers who are eligible may have either a groundwater or surface water licence for an mount of 2-4 megalitres (ML), or no licence at all.

UPDATE: DSE has declared an amnesty until 26 March 2010, so that farmers can upgrade their licences to accurately reflect how much water they actually use, or apply for a licence if they don't have one.

How do I apply?
There are two application scenarios:

Scenario 1:
If you DO NOT currently have a licence:
You have until 26 March 2010 to apply for a Groundwater or Surface Water Licence for the volume you are using in the dairy shed. This volume can be calculated using the DPI Dairy Shed Water Booklet which was provided to all Dairy Farmers in October 2009.

Scenario 2:
If you currently DO have a Groundwater or Surface Water Licence:
You have until 26 March 2010 to apply to amend your existing licence to include any additional volume of water that is being used in
the dairy shed.

What are the application fees?
The licence fees which apply to this program are the same as the standard G-MW licensing fees:

Groundwater Licence:         $1269.00
Surface Water Licence:      $1139.00

How can I calculate the volume of water I will need to apply for?
The DPI Dairy Shed Water booklet contains all of the information you will need to calculate the volume of water (ML) you should apply for.

For more information:

  • Refer to your Department of Primary Industries Dairy Shed Water booklet sent to all dairy farmers in Victoria (which also includes application forms)
  • Visit http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au
  • Phone 136 186
Are there metering requirements?
All new licences for groundwater or surface water must be metered. Existing licences will need to be metered if the amended licence volume increases to:
  • More than 10 ML for surface water
  • More than 20 ML for groundwater

For further information about licensing fees, annual fees or metering requirements please contact G-MW on: 1800 013 357

How can I get more information?
If you have any queries about the Program the following organisations can provide assistance:

  • Contact the DSE / DPI Customer ServiceCentre 136 186
  • Contact G-MW on 1800 013 357
  • Refer to your Department of Primary

Industries Dairy Shed Water booklet or contact your local DPI office.

 To download a print ready pdf version of this information click here