Transfer of Water Entitlement

 

Why transfer groundwater?

Transferring a groundwater licence provides existing licensed groundwater users with the opportunity to maximise the value of their licence by selling their unused licence entitlement, or to buy additional entitlement in areas where no new licence entitlement is being issued.

 

Who grants applications to transfer groundwater entitlement?

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) facilitates the transfer of groundwater licence entitlement under the provisions of Section 62 of the Water Act 1989. To apply to transfer water entitlement you can download an application form.

Click here to download groundwater forms

 

What rules apply to a Temporary Transfer?

The following general rules apply to temporary transfer of a groundwater licence:

Transfers can only occur between licensed bores located within the same trading zone.

  1. Transfers may occur between adjacent zones for those licensed bores located within a 1 km distance from the boundary.
  2. Transferred entitlement may be restricted or banned from use if it results in adverse impacts to other users or the environment. 
  3. Transferred entitlement is available for use from the date of approval until the end of the financial year (30 June).
  4. If the sellers bore is equipped, the works must be metered in order to trade part or the whole entitlement.
  5. The buyer must have an existing groundwater licence and metered bore before purchasing water entitlement.
  6. Matters listed under Section 40 of the Water Act 1989 must be considered by G-MW and apply to each transfer application.

Additionally, specific rules apply to individual trading zones.

Areas governed by Groundwater Management Plans may have transfer rules that differ from the rules described above.

 

What rules apply to a Permanent Transfer?

Permanently transferring a groundwater licence may only be available in Water Supply Protection Areas where a Groundwater Management Plan is in place. It is important that you refer to the relevant Groundwater Management Plan for specific transfer rules and conditions, or contact G-MW for further information.

 

When can the buyer take and use transferred water?

The buyer can take and use water under a transferred licence once G-MW provides written confirmation that the transfer has been approved.

 

Do I need to meet the Irrigation Development Guideline requirements?

Irrigation Development Guidelines will be required for all new irrigation developments.  You will be contacted if the guidelines apply to you.