Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has completed its review of the licence terms and renewal fees for diversions customers in the Upper Ovens River Water Supply Protection Area and will extend licence terms to 15 years.
GMW established a Customer Focus Group to assist in the discussions and feedback on Upper Ovens Licence Renewals in August 2020, and extended the payment period for the 2020 Licence Renewal Fee to 30 June 2021 while the review was undertaken.
As a result of the review, GMW will now issue Upper Ovens River Water Supply Protection Area customers with a fifteen year Take and Use Licence and Licence to Operate Works, dated from 1 July 2020, replacing the previous five year licence terms.
GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth said it was important to acknowledge the work of the Customer Focus Group and GMW staff in finalising the review.
“I would like to thank the Upper Ovens customers who raised these matters with us and partnered with us to achieve a good outcome,” Mr Blyth said.
“Customers will still have to pay the same fee associated with their licence renewal, however the term of the licence now covers 15 years instead of five years, saving $93 a year.
“There were many robust discussions to inform these reviews – this hard work is what enabled us to achieve this outcome together.”
The 15 year licence term is now consistent with other licence fee structures in other Water Supply Protection Areas and/or groundwater areas.
Upper Ovens customers will now be issued with a 15 year licence. Those who have not yet paid their fee will be required to do so by 30 June 2021.
For more information, visit the GMW Your Say page, email reception@gmwater.com.au or contact GMW’s Customer Experience Team on 1800 013 357.