You need a Works Licence to construct a bore.
You must comply with the licence conditions.
If you want to use water for any licensable purpose you need to apply for a Licence to Take and Use Water when the bore has been constructed.
If you are planning to construct a bore, you will need a Licence to Construct Works. You must apply to Goulburn-Murray Water for a licence before you commence work.
Fill out the Groundwater Works Licensing form or call our office on our free call number 1800 013 357 and an application form will be sent to you.
If you have any questions about the application process please contact G-MW on 1800 013 357 or email licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au. General information about bore construction and groundwater licensing is available from our Groundwater page.
How do I apply for a Licence to construct a bore?
It is important to be are aware of the licence application process prior to considering whether or not to construct a bore. The licensing process involves two key steps; the first step is applying for a licence to construct works and if approved, engaging a contractor to construct the bore. The second step, if you want to use the water for anything other than domestic and stock supply, is to apply for a licence to take and use water once the bore has been completed.
The two application processes are separate and involve different considerations and costs. Before you decide to construct a new bore you should undertake a thorough investigation of the future likelihood of obtaining a licence to take and use water. You are urged to contact GMW before you submit an application to discuss your proposal. You can contact us on 1800 013 357 or to speak to a drilling Supervisor about your proposed bore construction by contacting 0419 513 744.
Bores used to extract water for domestic and stock water supply
To apply for a licence to construct a domestic and stock bore you must complete the application form - Licence to Construct Works (bore) for domestic and stock use which is available at our Forms page.
When your application is received, GMW will conduct a site inspection to review the proposed location of the bore. GMW may advise you at this time to relocate the proposed site if it is in close proximity to a waterway or existing bores.
If the application is approved, a licence will be issued and your drilling contractor can commence construction of the bore subject to the conditions listed on the licence. Once the bore is constructed, your drilling contractor must submit a bore completion report to GMW. When the bore completion report is submitted you will be permitted to commence operating the bore to extract water for domestic and stock supply.
Bores used to extract water for any licensable purpose (eg irrigation or commercial use)
To apply for a licence to construct a bore to be used for irrigation, commercial or any other licensable purpose you must complete the application form - Licence to Construct Works (bore) for a licensable purpose which is available at our Forms page.
An application to construct a bore that will be used for irrigation, commercial, or industrial purposes can be a complex process. It usually involves advertising your proposal and notifying your neighbours. The licensing process also involves a detailed assessment by GMW to consider if the proposed bore location or potential extraction of groundwater may have any third party or off-site impacts on the environment, groundwater resources or other authorised water users.
In many areas in Victoria the extraction of groundwater is limited by a cap known as a Permissible Consumptive Volume (PCV). Extraction of groundwater in some areas is also subject to conditions set by a Groundwater Management Plan or Local Management Rules. Therefore before you decide to construct a bore which will require a licence to take and use water you should be aware of the particular management arrangements which might affect how you can use your bore.
If you are seeking to take and use groundwater in an area limited by a PCV or subject to specific management arrangements and you wish to obtain a licence to take and use water you will need to transfer (either permanently or on an annual basis) a licence entitlement from an existing groundwater licence holder. You are urged to contact the Licensing Unit before constructing a bore for a licensable purpose to ensure you have a full understanding of the procedures and costs involved and the likelihood of accessing a licensed volume in your area.
What happens when the licence application is approved?
If your application is approved, the licence to construct the works will be valid for 12 months. You should arrange for a drilling contractor to complete the works within this period. If your bore is not completed in this time, you can apply to renew the licence, prior to the expiry date. If you do not apply prior to that date, you will be required to apply for a new licence.
A licence to construct works can only be renewed once, if the works are not completed within the first renewal period, you must apply for a new licence.
It is important to ensure you do not commence any work prior to receiving written approval from G-MW. It is an offence for you or your contractor to commence any drilling work prior to being issued with a licence.
Your licence will be issued with a number of conditions – please make sure you read and understand the conditions before any works starts. If you have any questions about the conditions, please contact the Drilling Inspector.
GMW will contact you to arrange to inspect the construction site during or after construction. When the work has been completed your driller must provide GMW with a Bore Completion Report within 28 days. It is important that the Bore Completion Report is submitted to GMW within this timeframe as any application for a licence to take and use water from a bore cannot proceed prior to submission of a bore completion report.
Will I be required to install a meter on my bore?
If the bore has been constructed for a licensable purpose (irrigation, commercial etc) you will be required to install a meter, at your own expense, upon completion of the bore. The meter must be installed in accordance with the specifications set by GMW.
You will be advised about the approved specifications when the bore has been completed. The meter can be installed by you or a contractor and G-MW will inspect the installed meter to ensure it meets our standards.
All meters become the property of Goulburn-Murray Water once they are installed. If you have constructed a bore for domestic and stock use you will not be required to install a meter.