Our History

We recognise that the region we service across Northern Victoria has a human history that began with Traditional Owner custodians. We acknowledge and respect the unique connection and history that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have to the land and water we service.

You can find out more about the history of our storages here.

The Victorian Water Register website also has an interesting page about water reform history

Corporate history highlights

1900 - 1940

1906

State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) is established by the Water Act 1905.

Its establishment recognises the need for a single and independent authority to coordinate and manage the State's rural water resources.

1906

The first SRWSC offices are opened in Tatura and Kerang.

1970 - 2000

1984

Rural Water Commission established

The SRWSC is abolished and the Rural Water Commission (RWC) is established, with a shift towards financial independence.

1994

Goulburn-Murray Water established

RWC regional boards become independent government businesses. Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is established under the Water Act (1989).

1994

Main office opens

The authority’s main office at 40 Casey St, Tatura is officially opened.

2000s

2007

GMW’s name is changed to Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation

2007

Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) starts

The Victorian Government recognises that climate change will have a major impact on the state’s food production and announces $1 billion in funding to modernise and rationalise infrastructure in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.

2010s

2011

NVIRP is integrated into GMW as GMW Connections project

2011

Commonwealth agrees to Stage 2 Connections Project

The Commonwealth Government agrees to jointly fund Stage 2 of the Connections Project.

2015

Connections Project reset announced

The Connections Project is reset by Victorian Minister for Water Lisa Neville, getting the project back on track by working with locals to get the best solutions for irrigators in the GMID.

2020s

2020

Connections Project completed

The Connections Project is finalised, with 429 GL of water savings achieved.

2021

Work begins on the Water Efficiency Project (WEP)

Following the success of the Connections Project, GMW begins work on the Water Efficiency Project (WEP).
Funded with $177.5 million by the Commonwealth Government, WEP will generate 15.9GL in annual water savings and improve irrigation standards for more than 1000 customers across the GMID.

2021

Shareholders receive their share of water recovered

Eligible delivery shareholders receive their share of water recovered through the Connections Project via the Irrigators’ Share Distribution Project.

2021

Mitiamo Pipeline Project completed

The Mitiamo Pipeline Project is completed, with over 300km of pipeline to supply a new district north of Bendigo.

2023

WEP is finalised

The WEP is finalised, exceeding its water savings target with more than 16 GL of water savings achieved (pending final audit).