GMW Compliance and Enforcement Strategy


This Strategy extensively uses wording and material from documents issued by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.  We acknowledge with gratitude the use of this wording and material.

1. Introduction

This Strategy sets Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW’s) priorities for compliance and enforcement.

Compliance and enforcement are two separate concepts that work together to maintain the integrity of water markets and sustain public confidence in water management:

  • compliance is a proactive regulatory activity: actions are taken to prevent breaches or offences from occurring in the first instance. There are a variety of compliance tools to support compliance with Victorian water laws including education, hydrographic monitoring programs, metering inspections, audits, reporting and accounting.
  • enforcement is a reactive regulatory activity: activity is triggered when breaches of the law are detected. Enforcement actions under the Victorian Water Act include warning notices, direction notices, orders for reinstatement where appropriate, suspension or cancellation of an authorisation, or prosecution.

Water is a precious and limited resource. It is critical to our economy, environment and communities. This is why water needs to be managed fairly for all water users. Water theft undermines the health of our environment, which threatens communities and our economy.

Effective and strong compliance helps to maintain fair access to water. It supports community confidence in the water entitlement framework and water market because the same rules apply to everyone. It also deters people from illegally taking and using water.

We are Australia’s largest rural water corporation and manage Australia’s largest irrigation delivery network. The irrigated agriculture sector in northern Victoria alone generates more than $1 billion of production value annually and directly supports greater than 10,000 jobs in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District (GMID).

We manage 23 water storages that can hold approximately 11 million ML of water and also have responsibility for managing more than 100,000 hectares of public land surrounding our storages.  GMW is a vital part of life in northern Victoria. Our role in delivering reliable, affordable water and providing other water-based services drives a regional economy underpinning our collective prosperity and enhancing the wellbeing of our communities.

These communities are in transition. Changes in climate, global trade, economics, government policy, land use and social values are driving major changes in how our region functions. This requires GMW to also change to meet the expectations of our customers and stakeholders in continuing to provide appropriate, affordable and reliable services.

In 2024 GMW has released its new Corporate Strategy called ‘Achieving Together’, which includes four strategic pillars.

Compliance and enforcement is being managed within those pillars:

Table: Strategic Compliance and Enforcement Objectives

This table outlines GMW's strategic approach to compliance and enforcement, highlighting key pillars that support water management efforts across Victoria. Each pillar focuses on building trust with our communities, leveraging technology, investing in skilled personnel, and enhancing service adaptability. These actions are part of GMW’s commitment to ensuring water resources are managed fairly, transparently, and sustainably for all water users.

Table: Strategic Compliance and Enforcement Objectives
Strategic Pillar Compliance & Enforcement
Working with our Customers and Communities Maintaining customer confidence in the legitimacy and fairness of Victoria’s water management through regularly and consistently engaging and communicating with water users about water compliance ​obligations.
Embracing Technology and Innovation

Using innovation, data and technology for effective compliance and enforcement.

Delivering on metering action plans and the Non-urban Water Metering Policy by investing in monitoring tools (e.g. Telemetry) to improve the coverage and accuracy of water measurement.  
Investing in our People

Strong compliance and enforcement culture within GMW.

Building regulatory capability of staff by providing compliance training and operational procedures for safe, efficient, and consistent work practices 
Adapting our Services and Leveraging our Assets

Minimising:

  • loss of water otherwise available for customers
  • loss of revenue to GMW
Embedding compliance risk based planning and proactive monitoring approach into regulatory regime​ to ensure resources are where they are needed most.

GMW has adopted the state-wide key performance indicators for unauthorised take set by the Minister for Water in 2020.

Where GMW aims for:

  • no more than  1% of volume of total water taken is above authorisation, and
  • no more than  3% of accounts are to be in negative at any time.

KPI results are calculated annually and published via the GMW Annual Report

GMW has committed to five organisational values that:

  • are the essential and enduring principles of our organisation
  • underpin our culture by providing a filter for employees to measure their actions and behaviours

These values also underpin our compliance and enforcement activities:

Our Values


Excellence

We pursue quality, innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.


Honesty

We are truthful and transparent in all our dealings and communications.


Courage

We take responsibility and ensure we follow through on all our commitments.


Caring

We take considered risks and step forward with conviction into a new future


Accountability

We look out for each other and demonstrate genuine empathy for our customers

 2. Background

  • is the largest and most complex river system in Australia
  • covers one million square kilometres of south-eastern Australia, across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory
  • includes the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District
Infographic showing the significance of the Murray-Darling Basin, highlighting key statistics: largest and most complex river system in Australia, spanning four states and one territory; home to 2.6 million people; supporting a $24 billion agriculture industry, $8 billion tourism industry, and 9,200 irrigated agriculture businesses. It sustains 40 Aboriginal nations, 16 protected wetlands, 120 waterbird species, and 46 native fish species. Fishing employs 10,000 people, and rivers and lakes are vital for recreation and communities.
Diagram source: Murray-Darling Basin Authority

State and Commonwealth Governments agreed in 2012 that a plan was needed to manage water carefully and protect the Basin for future generations. The Murray-Darling Basin Plan (the Basin Plan) was developed to manage the Basin as a whole connected system.

The Basin Plan sets the maximum amount of water that can be taken from the Basin each year. This maximum leaves enough for our rivers, lakes and wetlands and the plants and animals that depend on them.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA):

  • monitors compliance and enforcement with the Basin Plan
  • regulates the state water agencies – like GMW – who have the front-line responsibility for water planning, river operations and water compliance

In Victoria compliance and enforcement in the non-urban water sector is carried out by the Minister for Water and water corporations.

Victoria strives to maintain high standards in water compliance to be more effective in the face of changes in climate, reduced water availability and increased demand for water. This is done by continually updating policies, systems and legislation such as:

  • the Government’s water plan  Water for Victoria (2016): which committed to modernising our compliance system
  • Water corporations own compliance and enforcement policies: which were developed through the National Framework for Compliance and Enforcement Systems for Water Resources Management (2016)

2017 MDBA Review

The MDBA reviewed compliance systems across the Basin in 2017. The MDBA review revealed effective compliance in Victoria and noted Victoria has:

  • an effective water market
  • a collaborative approach to compliance: water corporations work directly with water users as the first step in supporting compliance for fair access to water
  • layers of safeguards against large-scale or systemic water theft: these layers include extensive metering and measurement systems, comprehensive specification of entitlements, modernised irrigation systems, Victoria’s sophisticated Water Register and comprehensive water accounting

2018 Basin Compliance Compact

The importance of having effective compliance and enforcement systems across Basin states and territories was highlighted in 2017 with allegations of significant water theft and poor regulation in the northern part of the Basin. All Basin states and the Australian Government responded by agreeing to a Basin Compliance Compact in June 2018.

The aim of the Compact is to:

  • improve transparency and accountability of water management systems
  • put more consistent compliance and enforcement practices in place
  • create a clear system for compliance to reinforce public confidence in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan

2018 Victorian Review

The Victorian Government in 2018 reviewed the governance arrangements and framework for non-urban water compliance and enforcement in Victoria. The review concluded that:

  • Victoria’s approaches already had the elements for achieving effective compliance and enforcement
  • there was scope for these approaches to be improved and applied more consistently

2020 and 2021 Independent Review of Compliance and Enforcement in Victoria

In May 2020 the Minister for Water appointed Mr Des Pearson, Victoria’s former Auditor-General to review the compliance and enforcement frameworks of DELWP and water corporations with non-urban customers, to ensure they are aligned to the Government’s  zero tolerance approach to unauthorised take. GMW has addressed all recommendations.  More information can be found at the Water compliance reportspage.

2022 Inspector-General of Water Compliance - Compliance and Enforcement across the Murray-Darling Basin Report

The Murray-Darling Inspector General on compliance published a report on compliance and enforcement across the Murray-Darling Basin. The report shows Victoria in a positive light. The IG’s report reinforces the strong performance of Victoria’s compliance framework and confirms that water theft in Victoria is extremely low.

The Minister for Water and water corporations have compliance and enforcement responsibilities under the Victorian Water Act. Figure 1 shows these arrangements.

Minister for Water

The Minister for Water is accountable to Parliament and responsible for the development of water policy and governance of the Victorian Water Act and Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under the Victorian Water Act, the Minister for Water is responsible for issuing water entitlements and managing Victoria’s water resources for both urban and non-urban uses.

DEECA  supports the Minister in:

  • establishing the policies and strategies necessary to fulfil the Minister’s responsibilities
  • overseeing the performance and appointment of directors to the boards of water corporations 

Water corporations

There are 19 statutory corporations established under the Victorian Water Act that provide water and wastewater services. Six water corporations – including GMW – provide non‑urban water services. See Figure 2 for a map of the water corporations and their geographical areas.

Under the Victorian Water Act, the Minister for Water has delegated powers and functions for licence administration to water corporations. This means that in addition to water corporations’ function of delivering water and draining irrigation services, water corporations are also responsible for the compliance and enforcement of rules and legislative requirements surrounding the take and use of water and construction of works. See Figure 3 for more details on the authorisations and delegated functions under the Victorian Water Act.

Water corporations like GMW have a range of tools to ensure compliance. They are also empowered to investigate and prosecute breaches of the Victorian Water Act. See:

  • Figure 4 for a list of offences under the Victorian Water Act relating to the take and use of water and construction of works on a waterway that have penalty units  
  • Figure 5 for a list of compliance, detection and enforcement tools available to water corporations
Organizational structure for Victorian water governance. At the top is Parliament, with a line to Ministers supported by the Department, who oversee water resource management and environment, entitlements and trading, service delivery and financial monitoring, governance and board appointments, and policy and strategies. Below are statutory entities (Victorian Environmental Water Holder) and statutory service delivery entities, including Catchment Management Authorities, Rural Water Corporations, and Urban Water Corporations. Regulators like the Essential Services Commission, Environment Protection Authority, and Department of Health and Human Services oversee pricing, environmental, and drinking water quality regulations. The Energy and Water Ombudsman manages unresolved customer complaints. All entities serve water users, committees, stakeholders, and the general public."

Figure 1: Illustration of the institutional arrangements in Victoria’s water sector

Map of Victoria showing rural water corporation areas. Goulburn-Murray Water is in the north-central region, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water in the northwest, Lower Murray Water in the far northwest, Southern Rural Water in the southern and eastern regions, and Melbourne Water in the metropolitan area. Coliban Water overlaps parts of Goulburn-Murray Water and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water regions, managing take and use licences for stock and domestic use. Melbourne Water is responsible for unregulated surface water diversions within the Southern Rural Water region."

Figure 2: Map of the geographical jurisdictions of water corporations in Victoria

Under the Victorian Water Act, the Minster is empowered to issues uthorisations relating to take and use of water and construction of works, including, but not limited to, works on waterways for the take and use of water under specific sections of the act.

The minister then delegates these authorisations to water corporations under section 306 of the Victorian Water Act.

The image outlines the delegation of authorisations for water-related activities in Victoria, Australia. It specifies which authorities are responsible for managing certain types of water licences and entitlements.  uthorisations and Delegations for Water Management Delegated to Melbourne Water: Section 51: A licence to take and use water, mainly applicable in non-declared water systems, with some specified exceptions in declared systems. Delegated to Goulburn-Murray Water, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Lower Murray Water, and Southern Rural Water: Section 67: A licence to construct certain works on a waterway or bore. Section 33F: A water share authorising the taking of water under a water allocation during the season in which the water allocation is provided in a declared water system. Sections 64L and 64P: A water-use licence or registration allowing the use of water for irrigation or another specified purpose (depending on whether it's a licence or registration) on designated land in a declared (unbundled) water system. Delegated to Coliban Water: Section 51: A licence to take and use water, primarily in non-declared water systems, similar to Melbourne Water.

Figure 3: Authorisations under the Victorian Water Act

 

 

Figure 4 shows a general description of the applicable prohibited activity.

The image details offences related to the take and use of water under the Victorian Water Act, categorising actions that are considered unlawful. Offences Relating to the Take and Use of Water Key Offences: Failing to comply with take and use licence conditions Section 55A Failing to comply with water-use licence conditions Section 64AF Deliberately or negligently wasting water After receiving a warning notice or using water outside its intended purpose. Section 143 Taking or using water from certain sources in non-declared water systems without proper authorisation Sections 63 and 289(1) General Prohibition: Without the consent of a water corporation or lawful authority, taking, using, or diverting water controlled or supplied by a water corporation for another person's use is prohibited. Section 289(1) In Declared Water Systems: Taking water without proper authorisation Section 33E Using water for irrigation on land without a water-use licence for that purpose Section 64J(1) Using water for purposes other than irrigation without appropriate authorisation Section 64J(2) Failing to comply with water-use licence conditions Section 64AF

The image outlines offences related to the construction of works under the Victorian Water Act, describing activities considered unlawful without proper authorisation  Offences Relating to Construction of Works Key Offences: Failing to comply with works licence conditions Section 70A Unauthorised activities involving works on waterways: Operating, removing, or decommissioning any works on a waterway. Obstructing or interfering with works on a waterway without authorisation under the Victorian Water Act or any other act. Sections 75 and 75A Failing to comply with a notice to repair works Section 150 Interfering with the flow of water: Without the consent of the water corporation or lawful authority, in waterways, aquifers, or works managed by a water corporation. Section 289(1) Additional Offences: Altering or removing works connected to a water corporation's infrastructure without consent Section 145 Breaching water corporation by-laws relating to water use or works Sections 160 and 171 Damaging or interfering with property belonging to or managed by a water corporation: Includes destroying, damaging, removing, or altering works or other property (real or personal). Section 288

Figure 4 : Offences under the Victorian Water Act

Penalty units

Penalty units determine the amount a person is fined when they commit an infringement offence. The value of a penalty unit is set annually by the Victorian Treasurer, and is updated on 1 July each year.  For more information see website Penalties and values | Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria

A detailed listing of prohibited activities and applicable fines and penalties is provided under the ‘water’ tab at the following link to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website: DEECA Fees and Charges.

GMW has the tools available in Figure 5 to ensure compliance

Compliance Tools
Education & Information Hydrographic monitoring Metering & Data loggers Reporting and accounting
Customer portals to access real-time information
Detection Tools
Site Visits Covert surveillance Field and desktop audits Community, employee or duty-holder reports
Monitoring data and sample collection Observations by water officers Observations and reports from other agencies or regulatory authorities
Analysis of intelligence including information, data, aerial photography and reports Inspection powers under section 133 and search and seizure warrant powers under section 291E to 291H of the Victorian Water Act to permit authorised persons and officers of the water corporation to enter private land to inspect any works or make any test to find out whether the Victorian Water Act, regulations or by-laws of the water corporation are being complied with
Enforcement Tools
Notice to repair (section 15) Notice of contravention (section 151)
Power to issue infringement notice (sections 33EB, 63B, 289C, 295A) Suspension, revocation or cancellation of licence (sections 60, 64AJ, 64AK, 64AL, 64AM, 75AB)
Powers to reduce, restrict or discontinue the delivery of water to a serviced property in certain circumstances (section 231) Prosecution powers under section 296 to institute court action to seek penalties for alleged conduct in contravention of the Victorian Water Act

 3. Taking Action

GMW has:

  1. a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised take
  2. a risk-based compliance strategy to ensure that resources are used efficiently, focusing more on areas where there are the greatest compliance risks
  3. a range of available compliance and enforcement tools. Use of these tools will be responsive and appropriate to the level of non-compliance and the risk associated with the non-compliance. GMW is committed to:
    1. a clear and logical escalation pathway in response to detected breaches, from warnings through to when prosecutions will be pursued
    2. an emphasis on engagement, education and awareness raising
    3. ensuring customers are compliant with their obligations, and where found to be non-compliant, undertake the necessary steps to enforce compliance and mitigate the risk that non-compliance creates. 

GMW will be transparent about its compliance and enforcement strategy activities.

GMW has a range of compliance and enforcement tools available (see Figure 5). These allow for flexible responses to different levels of risks established through a risk-based approach.  Having flexible responses is a characteristic of a responsive regulatory approach.

GMW has a compliance pyramid (see Figure 6) to signal to water users that while GMW’s resources will be focused on encouraging compliance, there is capacity for enforcement actions to be escalated to the highest power. This acts as a deterrent to breaches of the law and encourages cooperative problem solving at the base of the pyramid.

The compliance pyramid also guides GMW in establishing how and when the available compliance and enforcement tools can be used depending on the risk profile of the offence, water user and scale of impacts. This will inform GMW’s decision-making processes for handling detected breaches and escalation pathways for enforcement actions in response to breaches of Victorian water legislation.

3.2.1    Encouraging and assisting compliance

Compliance tools at the bottom of the pyramid are GMW’s strategies of first choice and often used. Education, community engagement and monitoring programs allow for high levels of self-regulation in the community. These tools are less coercive and interventionist and more cost effective. They also align more closely with the customer-service roles of water corporations.

Most water users are responsible and want to comply with the laws. To do this they need to be empowered with the necessary information and tools for compliance.

3.2.2    Directing compliance

GMW can use warnings to bring an offender back into compliance.

GMW can issue warning letters to water users who have allegedly breached the Victorian Water Act, intentionally or unintentionally. Warning letters should:

  • inform these water users of requirements under the Victorian Water Act and conditions under their licences and/or water shares
  • caution that if the breach is not corrected within a specified time, further enforcement actions will be taken

Oral warnings will be documented and recorded.

3.2.3    Enforcement

GMW has the powers to reduce or restrict water delivery, issue penalty infringement notices, prosecute, suspend or revoke licences. These actions are taken for reasons including:

  • offenders who are uncooperative
  • offences that have unacceptable impacts on the environment and/or other stakeholders or have the potential to cause significant negative impacts on the environment and/or other stakeholders if the offence continued.
GMW's Compliance Pyramid
Figure 6: GMW’s Compliance Pyramid

GMW will discern instances of non-compliance by:

  • receiving and acting on information received from the public
  • using the compliance and detection tools shown in Figure 5 

GMW will undertake a compliance risk assessment as shown in Section 4.

GMW’s risk-based approach to compliance includes consideration of issues such as:

  • the potential impact of non-compliance
  • the timing and spatial nature of the issues
  • the likelihood of non-compliance continuing or being repeated
  • the availability of alternative solutions
  • whether good faith is present
  • how long the issue has been occurring
  • any aggravating or mitigating circumstances

GMW may identify potential breaches of the Victorian Water Act as part of our ongoing monitoring activities. We may also receive allegations from a number of sources including the public.

An investigation is where GMW undertakes a systematic process of gathering information. We will gather information to establish whether an offence has occurred, identify the person(s) involved and determine what the extent or consequences of the breach were.

GMW aims to conduct an investigation within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost, considering legislative requirements and the nature of the investigation.

GMW’s investigators are accountable for their actions and the decisions they make during the course of investigations. We require investigators to:

  • make ethical and informed decisions
  • demonstrate a culture of accountability and professionalism

Persons can make a complaint if they believe GMW staff actions have not been:

  • consistent with these requirements
  • fair or reasonable

Persons can make a complaint to: 

  • GMW’s Manager Governance
  • the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV) which is an independent dispute resolution service

GMW’s Compliance and Enforcement Advisor and prosecutors will hold a minimum qualification of Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent.

Ongoing training will be provided for updated legislation and implementing new legislation when required.

GMW’s enforcement tools are shown in Figure 5.  Persons who are subject to the use of these tools will at first instance be provided with the opportunity to:

explain their circumstances

if they believe a proposed enforcement decision is unfair, explain why that is so

GMW’s decision whether to use these enforcement tools has been discussed in Sections 3.1- 3.6.  Some other factors we may use to determine which enforcement powers to use include:

Table: Compliance Enforcement Decision Factors

This table outlines the decision factors GMW considers when determining enforcement actions for compliance issues. Each factor ensures a balanced, transparent approach, taking into account the nature of the contravention, the conduct of the involved party, the strength of the case, and the public benefit of enforcement. By assessing these factors, GMW aims to uphold fairness, integrity, and confidence in water management.

Table: Compliance Enforcement Decision Factors
Decision Factors  Considerations

The nature and seriousness of the alleged contravention

whether the non-compliance may impact materially e.g. volume or cost of water taken

whether the contravention involved dishonesty or intent

the value of any benefit or detriment caused as a result of the contravention

the impact of the non-compliance on the water market, including potential loss of public confidence

the value of any financial loss caused to water market participants

the extent of actual or potential environmental damage

whether the non-compliance has ceased or is continuing

whether the non-compliance is one-off or part of a systemic compliance failure

the impact on fairness and equity if the matter is not pursued

whether the non-compliant person has a poor compliance record

Conduct of the person following the alleged contravention

when and how the breach came to our attention (i.e. was it self-reported or detected via other means)

the level of cooperation with our reviews, audits or investigations

whether remedial steps have been taken
How robust our case is

the availability of evidence to support the relevant enforcement option

the likelihood of success

The expected public benefit of enforcement action

whether the case is likely to clarify the law and help people to better understand their obligations

the length and expense of a contested hearing and the remedies available compared with other remedies that may be available more quickly

We will undertake compliance, assurance and enforcement activities consistent with the requirements of our Privacy Policy.

The following GMW staff have a role in compliance and enforcement:

Table: GMW Team Roles and Responsibilities

This table provides an overview of the GMW team roles and responsibilities within the compliance and enforcement framework. Each team focuses on specific aspects of water management, from overseeing business operations to ensuring compliance with water regulations. Together, they work to maintain a fair and effective water management system in Victoria

Table: GMW Team Roles and Responsibilities
GMW Team  Role
Business and Finance
  • Oversee the implementation plan
  • Receives external person complaints about investigations and prosecutions
  • Oversees compliance and enforcement function
  • Oversees monitoring of customer water usage and ABA balances
  • Oversee matters referred for prosecution
Water Delivery Services
  • Water system operations
  • Manage distribution services
  • Manage the delivery of quality groundwater, regulated and unregulated stream services
  • Detection and reporting of breaches under the Water Act 1989
  • Compliance inspections
  • Oversees the Water Management System
Customers and Stakeholders
  • Oversees licencing under the Water Act 1989
  •  Land and Licencing
Strategy and Services Planning
  • Recreation and Land
  • Metering
Water Storage Services
  • Land & On-Water recreation services
  • Recreation operations
  • Land and waterway management
  • Oversees detection and reporting of compliance matters

Authorised Water Officers

  • Compliance inspections, detection and reporting
  • Undertake or assist with compliance investigations

4. Risk Assessment

GMW compliance and enforcement activities use a risk management approach based on AS/NZS ISO 31000: 2018 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines. Key elements of this approach are:

  • identifying the compliance risk associated with GMW water resources: GMW will annually undertake a risk assessment that considers the compliance risk to GMW’s water resources
  • assessing the likelihood and consequences of harm
  • making sure that monitoring, detection and enforcements actions build as the risk increases
  • using resources efficiently by focusing more on areas and persons/entities where there are the greatest compliance risks
  • using different responses based on the overall risk associated with actual or possible offences 

GMW will annually consider the compliance risk of each of its water sources. This assessment will be conducted before the commencement of the irrigation season for the GMID in August as shown in the Appendix.

GMW will undertake at a minimum the following risk treatments in response to the assessed compliance risk level.

Table: Risk Treatment and Risk Levels

This table outlines various risk treatment strategies based on the level of risk. It is designed to support efficient water resource management by categorising actions according to their appropriateness at low, medium, significant, and extreme risk levels.

                         
Table: Risk Treatment and Risk Levels
Risk Treatment

Risk level -  Low

Risk level -  Medium

Risk level - Significant Risk level -  Extreme
General Education and Engagement e.g. newsletter, media releases, meeting with customers and stakeholder groups x x x x
Targeted Education and Engagement e.g. engaging with large water users or users with a history of non-compliance   x x x
Non-Automated Meters: annual reading and responding to ABAs with a negative balance over-use x x x x
Automated Meters: responding to system notifications of outlets operating without orders and ABAs with a negative balance x x x x
Responding to complaints received x x x x
Targeted in-person surveillance visits e.g. users with a history of non-compliance     x x
Detailed analysis of data from GMW’s water management system to identify areas where non-compliance may be occurring   x x x

  5. Transparency

GMW is committed to transparency about its compliance strategies, protocols and compliance and enforcement activities.

Please let GMW know about any non-compliance by contacting us on 1800 013 357.

GMW will demonstrate this transparency by:

  • publishing on its website GMW’s compliance strategy and general protocols impacting on water users
  • publishing on its website a report on GMW’s compliance and enforcement activities and performance against state-wide key performance indicators for unauthorised take
  • developing public communication materials to raise awareness of:
    • how GMW manages compliance risks
    • the main aspect of compliance and enforcement affecting water users

6. Appendix

GMW has conducted a compliance risk assessment for 2024/25 for each water source as shown in Tables 1-3.

Water resource - Groundwater

This table provides a summary of groundwater management areas across different regions, detailing the associated risk levels. The categorization helps inform effective management and prioritization of resources to ensure sustainable water usage.

Table: Water resource - Groundwater
Area Groundwater Management Unit Risk level
West Loddon Highland WSPA Medium
West Mid Loddon GMA Low
West Lower Campaspe WSPA Medium
West Central Victorian Mineral Springs GMA Medium
West Unincorporated Low
Central West Goulburn GMA Low
Central Upper Goulburn GMA Low
Central Eildon GMA Low
Central Mid Goulburn GMA Low
Central Shepparton Irrigation Region GMA Medium
Central Katunga WSPA Significant
Central Strathbogie GMA Low
Central Broken GMA Low
East Upper Ovens WSPA Low
East Lower Ovens GMA Significant
East Kiewa GMA Low
East Upper Murray GMA Low
East Barnawartha GMA Low
East Unincorporated Low

Water resource - Unregulated

This table outlines the unregulated water resources across various regions, providing the risk levels associated with each area. The classification helps guide water resource management and planning efforts.

Table: Water resource - Unregulated
Area Groundwater Management Unit Risk level
West Loddon Basin South Cairn Curran Reservoir Medium
West Loddon Basin North Cairn Curran Reservoir Low
West Campaspe Basin upstream Lake Eppalock Medium
West Campaspe Basin downstream Lake Eppalock Low
Central Goulburn Basin upstream Seymour Medium
Central Goulburn Basin downstream Seymour Low
Central Broken Basin Medium
East Ovens Basin upstream Myrtleford Medium
East Ovens Basin downstream Myrtleford Low
East Kiewa River main stem Medium
East Kiewa River tributaries Low
East Upper Murray Basin Medium

Water resource - Regulated

This table highlights the risk levels associated with regulated water systems. These classifications support effective management and ensure sustainable water resource use.

Table: Water resource - Regulated
System Risk
Murray Medium
Ovens Medium
Broken Medium
Goulburn Medium
Campaspe Medium
Loddon Medium
Bullarook Medium