Getting a Licence
To apply for a licence to construct and use private works, you need to:
- Complete the application form 130 – Private Works Licence to Construct and Use Works or to Undertake Works on GMW’s Land or Asset
- Submit Design Plans (A3 format) including a Locality/Site Plan
- Provide evidence of appropriate public liability insurance. Note that GMW requires public liability for an amount of not less than 20 million with the policy noting GMW as an interested party.
- Send the completed form, any required documentation and the application fee to GMW.
Please note: this application only relates to GMW Land Assets.
Do not use this form when making applications for water use and entitlements and do not use this form for small pipe outlet applications
When will my application be approved?
There are a number of steps to this process and in order for GMW to assess any risks and impacts on GMW’s asset’s and services, you should allow a minimum of 3 week’s from lodgement of completed application, design plans and application fees.
Applications will not be processed if a design plan is not included.
This will in turn, impact of the approval process.
Fees
The following fees are required before the licence is issued:
Application fee
- This fee is based on the time it takes to prepare and complete the licence application process.
Supervision Fee
- This fee covers the cost of inspection and reporting during the construction.
Security Deposit
- The security deposit is refunded when the works have been completed. The deposit is used to cover the cost of completing or demolishing the works if they have not been finished according to the licence.
Construction of private works
Work can not start until you receive a copy of the licence that has been signed and authorised by a GMW officer.
Before you commence proposed works, you must contact the inspection officer by phoning 2 days prior to any works commencing.
All construction work must be completed within 12 months of the licence being issued.
Once works have been completed GMW must carry out a final check. If any works are not completed to the required standards, GMW may employ a private contractor to complete the works. All cost incurred will be paid for by the applicant.
If the works have been finished to the standards agreed as outlined in the licence, the security deposit will be returned.
Licence Conditions
Depending on the location, type of construction and hazards posed in your works program, GMW may impose specific conditions in your licence.
How long is a licence valid?
A Construct & Use of Private Works Licence is generally issued for a term of 15 years with the construct being valid for 12 months. Upon the expiry date, licences will be required to be renewed.
Can I transfer the licence?
It is a condition of the licence that the licensee must give notice of the licence to any prospective purchase of the land and ensure that the licence is assigned to any successor in title, provided GMW’s consent is also obtained to such an agreement.
The Construct & Use of Private Works Licence may be transferred by completing a form 131 – Vary/Transfer a Private Works Licence.
This form needs to be signed by the current vendor and purchaser and forwarded to GMW to processing with the current season application fees.
Please note: The licence does not automatically transfer upon change of ownership.
Can I cancel my licence?
This is done by an application form 131 – Vary/Transfer a Private Works Licence with the current season fees.
You may be required to remove the structure and make good the land if works have taken place.
What does a Private Works Licence authorise?
A Construction & Use of Private Works Licence authorises the licencee to carry out 2 steps:
1. Construct the works and
2. Use the works for its proposed purpose (i.e. for irrigation, commercial, domestic and stock or other licenced purposes such as farm access in the case of an Occupation Crossings).
You become responsible for and own the works.
This licence does not allow you to take and use water. For any dealings with water entitlements contact the Customer Contact Centre on 1800 013 357.
If your licence is approved it will be recorded in GMW’s Asset database for the purpose of identifying all structure’s/works on GMW’s land or assets.
Electricity Supply
Electrical supply (buried or overhead cabling) and electric switch-boards will not normally be permitted on land owned or controlled by GMW.
Where this is no other option and electricity supply cables to pumps is approved, cables must be installed a minimum of 600 mm underground and comply with all relevant electrical standards.
Underground cable signs must be installed to GMW specifications.
Electrical underground cables are not permitted to be installed over GMW owned pipelines. They must be installed to a suitable depth under the pipelin
Back-fill material must be compacted and maintained to the satisfaction of GMW a plan of the power cable must be provided in the pump shed.
General
Pipe-lines must be installed to a depth that allows for 600mm of cover from top of pipe to natural surface level and back-fill compacted to the satisfaction of GMW.
In the case of works on channels, pipelines or drains, the Licencee must install marker posts at the each side of boundary of land controlled by GMW.
If customers install hydrocarbon fuel pumps, the pump site must be bunded in accordance with EPA Guidelines.
Insurance
You must effect on or before the date of commencement of the licence, a public liability insurance policy for the land which extends to cover the licenced area for an amount of not less than twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in respect of any single accident or event. The policy must also extend to include GMW as an interested party. You must lodge evidence to the satisfaction of GMW of such insurance policy being in place prior to any works commencing.
Compliance
Our goal is always to work with you to resolve issues as far as practicable.
In the event that a licensee fails to comply with the conditions of their licence, GMW may request by written notice that the works are removed and the area restored. Failure to comply with the written request may result in GMW giving notice to the licensee in accordance with s.151 of the Water Act 1989 to remedy, within a stipulated time in the notice, the contravention. If the licensee still fails to carry out the requirements of the notice within the time stipulated, GMW may take such action as is authorised by s.151, such as prosecution and/or carrying out any works to remedy the contravention and recovering the reasonable costs of doing so from the licensee.
Please be aware that it is an offence under the Water Act 1989 to construct any works without the appropriate authority.
For more information and assistance
Please phone our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 013 357 or email reception@gmwater.com.au.