Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is contacting customers whose licences to take and use water and/or operate works are due for renewal by 30 June 2027.
If you have received renewal communication from us, it will provide your individual licence details, property location, licence applicable renewal fee and information about how to apply. If your licence is a regulated surface water you will also receive an invoice for payment of the application fee.
Why am I being asked to renew?
Between 2014 and 2016, GMW undertook the Annual Licensing Project (ALP). Through this project, eligible licences were renewed for up to 15 years free of charge.
As these licences reach the end of that ALP renewal period, customers are now required to apply and pay an application fee if they wish to renew their licence for a further 15 years.
For some customers, this may be the first time they have been required to pay an application fee to renew their licence.
Why is there a renewal application fee?
The renewal application fee covers the assessment and processing of your renewal application and the relevant checks required as part of the renewal process.
The exact requirements may differ depending on the type of licence you hold.
Your individual renewal communication will provide the applicable fee for your licence.
What do I need to do?
If you wish to renew your licence for a further 15 years, you will need to complete the renewal application and pay the applicable fee.
Your renewal communication will provide information about your licence, how to apply and pay.
Ground Water and Unregulated Surface Water
Frequently asked questions
We have prepared answers to common questions about water licence renewals, application fees and the renewal process.
Your licence is due to expire on 30 June 2027. To continue taking and using water or operating works under your licence, you must submit a renewal application before this date.
A valid licence is required to continue taking and using groundwater or unregulated surface water. For regulated surface water customers, a valid licence is also required to continue operating works (such as a pump) on a waterway.
Your completed application and payment must be received by GMW before 30 June 2027. If you do not apply to renew your licence before it expires, the licence may lapse and be cancelled.
Application fees cover the cost of assessing your renewal application, including administrative and site inspection activities required under GMW's obligations in accordance with the Water Act 1989 (Vic).
The application fee is separate from any annual licence fixed charges.
Yes, provided you lodged your renewal application before the licence expiry date. You may continue to take and use water and operate works in accordance with the conditions of the expired licence until GMW has made a decision on your application.
If you do not submit your renewal application before the expiry date, you are not authorised to take and use water after that date.
After receiving your application, GMW will confirm it has been received in writing.
You will then be contacted by your Diversions Inspector to arrange a site inspection. During the inspection, information may be collected about:
- The licensed land area
- Licensed works (such as bores or pumps)
- Current water extraction and use
Following assessment of the application and inspection findings, GMW will make a decision and notify you in writing.
If your application is approved:
- The new licence expiry date will be recorded in the Victorian Water Register.
- You will receive updated licence documentation.
If your application cannot be approved, GMW will contact you to discuss the issues.
Application fees may not be refunded if an application is refused.
Licences issued by GMW are generally valid for 15 years, but in some areas, licences are issued for a period of up to 5 years.
Yes, a Licence to Take and Use Water is subject to annual fixed charges, issued by GMW in July each year.
Yes. If you wish to amend your licence, you can discuss your requirements with your Diversions Inspector during the site inspection. Additional application forms and assessments may be required depending on the proposed changes.
If the ownership of your property has changed and the licence is still in the name of the previous owner you must apply to transfer the licence to the new owner. An application form will be forwarded to you if GMW has received notice of this change.
If you have not received a transfer application form you can find a groundwater licence transfer application at our Forms page.
You should ensure the form is completed and signed by the current and proposed licence holders and returned with your licence renewal application. If both applications are submitted together, there is no additional fee for the transfer application.
Please contact the Land and Licensing Team for assistance.
If one of the licence holders is deceased, the licence can usually be updated upon receipt of application, appropriate documentation, such as a death certificate, will or probate documents.
If all licence holders are deceased, the executor(s) of the estate will need to arrange for the licence to be transferred and provide the required supporting documentation.
If you no longer need water from your groundwater, unregulated surface water or regulated surface water supply, you may surrender your licence by completing the relevant application form.
Please contact the Land and Licensing Team for assistance.
Any outstanding annual charges must be paid before a licence can be cancelled.
Between 2014 and 2016, GMW undertook the Annual Licensing Project (ALP). Through this project, eligible licences were renewed for up to 15 years at no cost to customers.
Prior to the Annual Licensing Project and historical licensing changes, licences generally did not require a separate renewal application fee. Payment of annual charges was often regarded as renewing the licence.
Current licence renewals require a formal assessment and application process in accordance with the Water Act 1989 (Vic).
In some areas, you may be able to trade your water entitlement before surrendering your licence. Water trades are subject to trading rules and assessment requirements. Please contact the Land and Licensing Team for further information.
Ground Water and Unregulated Surface Water