Occupation Licences

GMW have the authority to issue an Occupation Licence on GMW freehold or GMW managed Crown Land pursuant to:

  • Section 132 of the Water Act 1989
  • Section 17B of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978

An Occupation Licence may be issued by Property Services for foreshore structures, use of the land for grazing, use of the land for access, and other purposes (such as passive recreation). Occupation Licences are agreements between GMW and a Licensee, for a Licensee to have a right to use all or part of a parcel of GMW freehold land or GMW managed Crown Land for a specified purpose.

The structure(s) and/or use permitted by an Occupation Licence does not constitute an exclusive use of all or part of the land

Popular Forms

PS001 - Application for a New Occupation Licence

PS002 - Application to Renew/Vary/Transfer/Cancel an Occupation Licence

PS008 - Application to Undertake Works or Maintenance on GMW Land

See all Forms

Useful Links

GBCMA Works on Waterways Permits

Frequently Asked Questions

An Occupation Licence is required for any person or business who wishes to construct works (such as a jetty) on, or wishes to use, GMW owned or managed land. The structure(s) and/or use permitted by an Occupation Licence does not constitute an exclusive use of all or part of the land.

Please submit a PS001 application if you wish to:

  • Apply for an Occupation Licence for privately owned foreshore structures (e.g. jetty, boat ramp, landscaping)
  • To graze stock on GMW land
  • To have formal access over GMW land' 

Please submit a PS003 application if you wish to:

  • Apply for a Seasonal Tour Operator Licence to operate a commercial business or activity on land or storage owned or managed by GMW

Please submit a PS005 application if you wish to:

  • Apply for a new Commercial Hire & Drive Houseboat Licence to operate a commercial business or activity on land or a storage owned or managed by GMW. 
  • Please submit a PS002 application if you wish to:
    • Renew: An Occupation Licence for a privately owned foreshore structure (jetty, boat ramp, landscaping), access or grazing is due for expiry and the Licensee wishes to renew
    • Transfer: The Licensee for an Occupation Licence for a foreshore structure (jetty, boat ramp, landscaping), access or grazing is required to be changed (i.e. change of ownership due to sale of property adjoining the licenced area). This could be due to:
      • Change in ownership of the Licensees property attached to the existing licenced area
      • Change in name/s (Company Directors/Shareholding)
    • Vary: The variation to an existing Occupation Licence is required for:
      • The replacement of/addition to/removal of a foreshore structures (jetty, boat ramp, landscaping)
      • An amendment to the Licence without any changes to works (including amending the licence area)
    • Cancel: The Licensee wishes to cancel an existing Occupation Licence for a foreshore structure (jetty, boat ramp, landscaping), access or grazing.
  • Please submit a PS004 application if you wish to:
    • Renew: A Seasonal Tour Operator Licence which is due for expiry and the Licensee wishes to renew
    • Transfer: The Seasonal Tour Operator Licensee is required to be changed (i.e. change of ownership due to sale of property adjoining the licenced area). This could be due to:
      • Change in ownership of the Licensees business
      • Change in name/s (Company Directors/Shareholding)
    • Vary: The variation to an existing Seasonal Tour Operator Licence is required for:
      • Amending licence particulars without additional works or structures, e.g. varying the licence area, or approved vessels etc.
      • requesting approval for additional works and structures (including the replacement of existing structures) on the licenced area.
      • Removal of approved structures
  • Please submit a PS006 application if you wish to:
    • Renew: A Commercial Hire/Drive Houseboat Licence is due for expiry and the Licensee wishes to renew
    • Transfer: The Commercial Hire/Drive Houseboat Licensee is required to be changed (i.e. change of ownership due to sale of property adjoining the licenced area). This could be due to:
      • Change in ownership of the Licensees business
      • Change in name/s (Company Directors/Shareholding)
    • Vary: The variation to an existing Commercial Hire/Drive Houseboat Licence is required for:
      • Amending licence particulars without additional works or structures, e.g. varying the licence area, or approved vessels etc.
      • requesting approval for additional works and structures (including the replacement of existing structures) on the licenced area.
      • Removal of approved structures
    • Cancel: The Commercial Hire/Drive Houseboat Licensee wishes to cancel the licence due to cease of operation.

If you wish to undertake works and/or maintenance on:

  • GMW land, or
  • Any privately owned licenced structures on GMW land

GMW must consent to any such works/maintenance by issuing a Works Approval Licence. Such works could include: installation of a new structure (like a jetty or boat ramp), maintenance of an existing structure, replacement of an existing structure.

You can submit an application for a Works Approval Licence through submission of a PS008 form. Works Approval Licences can be issued stand alone, or in conjunction with another agreement. In such case, the relevant fees for each agreement type will be applied.   

Types of Works and Relevant Approvals

The table below outlines common examples of works that may be proposed on GMW-managed land or structures, the type of agreement or approval required, and the associated application fees. It’s designed to help applicants understand which licences apply depending on the activity—such as maintaining a jetty, constructing a new structure, or cancelling an existing licence.
Example(s) Agreement(s) Required  Associated Application Fees

You have an existing Occupation Licence for a structure, and you wish to undertake repairs (e.g. maintenance/repairs to jetty decking, replace jetty structure).

You wish to undertake any of the following on GMW land:

  • Tree maintenance or pruning
  • Vegetation clearing
Willow or exotic species removal		 Stand-alone Works Approval Licence (apply via PS008) $205
You wish to construct a new jetty, and there is no existing Occupation  Licence. Works Approval Licence and New Occupation Licence (apply via PS001)

$550  ($345 for New Occupation Licence + $205 Works Approval Licence)
You wish to transfer an Occupation Licence associated with a jetty, and undertake works such as: replacement of existing jetty decking, etc. Works Approval Licence and Transfer Occupation Licence (apply via PS002)

$610  ($405 to transfer Occupation Licence + $205 Works Approval Licence)
You wish to vary an Occupation Licence associated with a jetty, and undertake works such as: adding another structure, replacement of existing jetty, etc. The owners are not proposed to be changed. Works Approval Licence and Vary Occupation Licence (apply via PS002)

$610  ($405 to Vary Occupation Licence + $205 Works Approval Licence)
You wish to cancel an Occupation Licence for a jetty, and therefore the jetty needs to be removed from GMW land. Cancel Occupation Licence and Works Approval Licence (apply via PS002)

$405  ($345 to Cancel Occupation Licence + $205 Works Approval Licence)

Please contact Property Services on 1800 013 357 if you require further information.

For information on private works over any GMW assets (such as channels, drains and pipelines), please submit your enquiry to the Land and Licencing Team via a Form 130.

Please contact your local Storage Manager to discuss any proposed retaining walls:

  Before you start

An application associated with an Occupation Licence may take at least 6-8 weeks from receipt of application fee and processing. Application processing times are dependent on the complexity of the proposal and the location that the proponent is seeking to be licensed for.

Applicants can ensure the application process is not delayed by ensuring that a complete and detailed application is supplied, including site plans, associated documents and comprehensive descriptions of proposed activities. Delays in the application process are usually associated with incomplete applications or insufficient information.

  1. Contact the Local Area office to discuss your proposal

Prior to completing any application, we recommend you contact your local Storage Manager to discuss any proposed works:

  1. Prepare your supporting documentation

Information you provide must be clear, detailed, and honest to help us make an informed decision. You’ll need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • Company Extract if applicable (less than 3 months old)
  • Current Certificate of Title (less than 3 months old). If you require assistance, please see instructions on How to obtain a full and current copy of your Certificate of Title (PDF).
  • Design Plans - A copy of the full colour design plans, A3 size, including a locality/site plan of the area which you propose to construct the works. The plans must also indicate your property boundary, GMW’s foreshore land and where the water line begins. Please refer to the GMW Design Standards below.
  • Management of Works - Evidence of appropriate project management measures to be implemented, including Safe Work Method Statements, Job Safety Analysis, environmental controls and evidence of appropriate training and certification of mobile plant operators etc.
  • Public Liability Insurance - Licensees are required to hold Public Liability Insurance of at least $20 million. If an Occupation Licence is issued, the licensee’s Public Liability Insurance MUST note  Goulburn-Murray Water as an Interested Party and be extended to cover the licensed area.
  • Statutory Approvals - Your proposed works may require approvals from various authorities. You will need to attach any required statutory approvals from the authorities. Alternatively, you may provide written confirmation that you will obtain and provide these approvals prior to work commencing:
    • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage – You may be required to submit a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)
    • Building works – Local council planning permit and/or building permit
    • Remove or disturb timber from a waterway – Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (Victorian Fisheries Authority), and your local council
    • Remove or disturb aquatic or terrestrial native vegetation – Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
    • Earthworks – Registered Aboriginal Party
    • Works on a Waterway Permit – your regional Catchment Management Authority
  1. Complete the relevant online application form

All Licence applications involve a sequence of steps that need to be worked through in order. Your application will not be processed until you have submitted the application. If you are unsure which form to complete for your application type, visit the FAQ page. 

  1. Submit your application

Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a confirmation email. The Property Services team will contact you if further information is required to progress your application.

For an application to be processed, application fees must have been paid in full. Please see the current GMW Price List for the relevant application fees (under Recreation and Land Management Miscellaneous Fees). If two agreements are being requested (e.g. New Occupation Licence for the ongoing use of GMW land for a jetty and Works Approval Licence for the construction of the jetty), then both application fees will be applicable – See Works Approval Licence for more information. Application fees are non-refundable.

If you are applying to undertake works, a Site Assessment and Supervision Fee and Refundable Security Deposit will be required. These fees are reviewed by GMW prior to approval of the works, based on risk of the works impacting GMW assets and services, and you will be advised of the final amount payable.

Refundable Security Deposit

GMW charges a Security Deposit to ensure that any works carried out under an Occupation Licence and/or Works Approval Licence are completed to the required standards. Once the works are completed satisfactorily, the Security Deposit is able to be refunded. To enable the Security Deposit to be calculated, you will need to provide a copy of a quote for the proposed works to GMW upon application.

GMW will advise you of the Security Deposit amount required. In accordance with GMW’s Price List, GMW are able to charge up to 25% of the total cost of the works for the Security Deposit. E.g. for a jetty which costs $40,000 to construct, GMW are able to charge up to $10,000 Security Deposit.

Please note that if GMW are unable to contact you to obtain information or documentation to enable the Security Deposit to be refunded, it will be deemed forfeited and will be retained. Please ensure any contact details provided in your application and current and correct to ensure your Security Deposit is not forfeited.

Site Assessment and Supervision Fee

GMW charges a Site Assessment and Supervision Fee to cover the costs associated with evaluating and overseeing the construction of approved works. This fee ensures that the works are carried out according to the required standards and do not negatively impact GMW assets and services.

GMW will advise you of the Site Assessment and Supervision Fee required. In accordance with GMW’s Price List, GMW are able to charge up to 5% of the total cost of the works for the Security Deposit. E.g. for a jetty which costs $40,000 to construct, GMW are able to charge up to $2,000 Site Assessment and Supervision Fee.

*Site Assessment and Supervision Fees are non-refundable.

The table below shows which structures are permitted at each major storage: Lake Eildon, Lake Eppalock, Goulburn Weir and Nagambie Waterways, and Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala. Structure types include boat ramps, jetties of varying sizes and types, and landscaping elements. This helps users identify what is allowed in each location before applying for approvals.

Allowed Structures

Lake Eildon

Lake Eppalock

Goulburn Weir and Nagambie Waterways

Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala

Boat ramp


Available


Available


Not Available
Not Available

Jetty


Available

2m wide x 6m long, floating and/or transportable


Available

2m wide x 8m long, fixed or floating


Available

2m wide x 8m long, fixed or floating


Available

2m wide x 8m long, fixed

Landscaping elements


Available


Available


Available


Not Available

You must have a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance coverage for any Occupation Licence, noting the interest of Goulburn-Murray Water. A Certificate of Currency for less than $20 million will not be accepted.

Property Services will not issue an Occupation Licence until we receive a document that meets all our requirements. If you do not supply a copy of your insurance the time of application, please ensure you have contacted an insurance broker to arrange insurance, so the document is ready to go in the instance that a licence is offered.

If an Occupation Licence is issued, you will be required to supply a contemporary Certificate of Currency each year in accordance with the conditions of the licence.

Receiving your Occupation Licence Document

If an Occupation Licence has been approved by the Local Area Office, Property Services will finalise a Licence offer document and send it to the applicant for signing. Once you have signed the Licence, Property Services will issue you with a copy of the executed (finalised) licence and you are ready to commence use of the land as per the conditions in your licence.

Any works associated with a finalised Occupation Licence (e.g. installation of a jetty) must be in accordance with the conditions of the Works Approval Licence, and must commence and be finalised by the dates specified.

If an Occupation Licences is granted, there will be an annual licence fee payable to GMW for continued use of the land. The due date on the annual fee will be stipulated in the Occupation licence. The annual fee is set by GMW and increases annually. Your annual bill will include a reminder to provide contemporary insurance information as per the conditions of the licence.

Some Commercial Occupation Licence fees have two parts: an annual licence fee and a Visitor Fee. For applicable Occupation Licences, Licensees must keep a record of the number of visitors and report these to Property Services in accordance with the licence conditions. This record is used to calculate the visitor fees payable by the Licensee to GMW.

Annual Fee

This table outlines the annual licence fees for different types of structures permitted under a GMW Occupation Licence. Fees are subject to change annually and may include additional visitor charges for certain commercial licences.

Type of fee Fee amount 
Annual Jetty Fee
(excl. GST)

Please refer to the ‘Allowed Structures’ section on this webpage to ensure you are looking at the correct annual fee for each structure type

  • Jetty Licence (Fixed or Floating – up to 16m2) - $595
  • Jetty Licence (Transportable at Eildon – 16m2) - $275
Note: Jetty Licences include direct paths and steps for safe access provided they meet Australian Standards
Annual Boat Ramp Fee
(excl. GST)

Please refer to the ‘Allowed Structures’ section on this webpage to check if a boat ramp is permitted in your area

  • Boat Ramp (Concrete) - $595
Boat Ramp (Formed track – gravel or dirt) - $100
Annual Fee - Erosion & Water Quality Protection
(excl. GST)		 Erosion and water quality protection - $Nil (PLEASE NOTE: A Works Approval Licence application and associated once-off application fee in accordance with GMW’s Fee Schedule is required for any erosion/water quality protection works on GMW land, and any such works must adhere to environmental guidelines).