Works Approval Licences

A Works Approval Licence is required to undertake works and/or maintenance on GMW owned or managed land.

GMW must consent to any such works/maintenance by issuing a Works Approval Licence if you wish to undertake works and/or maintenance on:

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

Such works could include (but is not limited to): installation of a new structure (such as a jetty), maintenance of or replacement of an existing structure (such as replacement of jetty decking), installation of landscaping elements, tree lopping or trimming, etc.

Relevant Form

PS008 - Application to Undertake Works or Maintenance on GMW Land

Frequently Asked Questions

A Works Approval Licence is required for any person or business who wishes to construct works or carry out maintenance on GMW owned or managed land (including tree and vegetation removal/maintenance). A Works Approval Licence does not constitute permission for ongoing use of GMW owned or managed land.

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. 

Works Approval Licence: Required Forms and Fees

If you're planning to carry out works on GMW-managed land or structures—such as building, repairing, varying, or cancelling a jetty—you may need a Works Approval Licence. The table below outlines common scenarios, what agreements or forms are required, and the associated fees. Please refer to the relevant form code when submitting your application.
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 GMW’s Land and Licencing Team via a Form 130.

If a Works Approval License has been issued, and you wish to amend any component of the Licence (change in design/works proposed, change to commencement and/or completion dates greater than 14 days), you will need to reapply for a new Works Approval Licence which is reflective of the current proposal, through the submission of a PS008 application. A new application fee will be required, so please ensure the information you provide at the time of initial application is sufficient and correct to avoid additional costs and time delays.

Before you start

An application associated with a Works Approval 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. Please ensure that your application is submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the desired commencement date of works.

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)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 a Works Approval 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
  • Existing Licences - If you already have an existing Occupation Licence, please provide this with your application.
  1. Complete the relevant online application form

All Works Approval 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

  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. Works Approval Licence for the construction of the jetty and New Occupation Licence for the ongoing use of GMW land for the jetty), then both application fees will be applicable.

Application fees are non-refundable.

If you are applying to undertake works and/or maintenance, 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 a Works Approval Licence are completed to the required standards. The Security Deposit acts as a financial guarantee that covers the cost of completing or demolishing the works if they are not finished according to the licence conditions. 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.

You must have a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance coverage for any Works Approval 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 a Works Approval Licence until we receive a document that meets all our requirements. If you do not supply a copy of your insurance with the 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 a Works Approval Licence has been approved by the Local Area Office, Property Services will finalise a Licence offer document. Once the Licence has been signed, you are ready to commence use of the land as per the conditions in your Licence. Any works must be in accordance with the conditions of the Works Approval Licence, and must commence and be finalised by the dates specified.
Works Approval Licences do not have annual fees.