Forms for general place of take approvals
In most circumstances you can apply for a general place of take approval (GPT) within the same application form in which you are applying for approval to use water on land, such as in a water-use licence/registration form or an application form to transfer both water share and land ownership.
In some circumstances you can separately apply to obtain or vary a GPT as described below.
More information on place of take approvals is available here.
Extraction share management
For river diverters, your GPT also includes your extraction share (ML/day). You can apply to your water corporation to vary or transfer your extraction share using the approved application forms provided below:
Form 14 – Vary extraction share- Annexure to Form 14 – use this if more space is required for signatures.
- Form 16 – Transfer extraction share
- Annexure to Form 16 – use this if more space is required for signatures.
Issue of a GPT with a new service point
If a new service point (i.e. pump or outlet) is being added to provide water to an existing WUL/R, then people who hold allocation accounts linked to that WUL/R may need to apply for a general place of take approval for the new location (new service point) using the following form before the new service point can be approved. If this circumstance applies to you, the following approved application form must be submitted to your water corporation:
- Form 20 – Application for place of take approvals at a new service point
Request for more time before a GPT is cancelled
If you have received a notice of intent to cancel your GPT and its related extraction share, due to you no longer having an allocation account linked to the relevant water-use licence or registration, you can use the following submission form to request the cancellation be delayed in order to provide additional time to transfer your extraction share. There is no fee for this form.
- Form 18 – Request for additional time to apply to transfer extraction share.
All applications must be made using the approved forms. For the water corporation to accept the application forms that can be downloaded above, they must be clearly printed on white A4 paper in portrait format.
On this webpage, notional rationing rate under section 3(1) of the Water Act 1989 is referred to as 'extraction share’.
Forms and fees - old
Water shares
Water share applications (including applications to transfer, divide and transfer, vary, divide, and to consolidate water shares) must be made using an approved form. For the water corporation to accept the application forms that can be downloaded below, they must be clearly printed on white A4 paper, in portrait format, and in black ink.
Each application form must have its own unique application number. Therefore, you cannot download the form and photocopy it for multiple applications. Instructions for completing and submitting the forms are included as explanatory notes on the form.
Application Fees
| Application | Current Fee ($) | tip |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1 Application to Transfer a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 5 Application to Divide a Water Share | 192.10 | |
| Form 6 Application to Consolidate Water Shares | 192.10 | |
| Form 7 Application for the Issue of a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 8 Application to Cancel a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 9 Application to Vary a Water Share | 101.50 | |
| Form 10 Application for a Limited Term transfer | 228.10 | |
| Form 39 Application to Trade Water Allocation | 101.50 | |
| Form 39 Application to Trade Water Allocation (submitted via My Water) | 53.80 |
You can pay for any applications relating to a water share, water-use licence/registration or works licence with your credit/debit card by completing the Credit card payment form and submitting it with your application(s).
If the water corporation approves your application to transfer your water share you will then need to apply to the Water Registrar to record the transfer.
Water share and water-use licence/registration applications
- Form 1 Application to Transfer a Water Share a,b
- Form 3 Application to Divide and Transfer a Water Share a,b,c
- Form 5 Application to divide a Water Share
- Form 6 Application to Consolidate Water Shares
- Form 7 Application for the Issue of a Water Share
- Form 8 Application to Cancel a Water Share
- Form 9 Application to Vary and/or Associate or Revoke the Association of a Water Share b
- Form 10 Application for a Limited Term Transfer a
- Form 23 Application for a Water-Use Licence or a Water-Use Registration
- Form 24 Application to Vary a Water-Use Licence and/or Water-Use Registration
- Form 25 Application to Cancel a Water-Use Licence and/or Water-Use Registration
- Form 40 Application to Link Multiple Water Shares and/or Multiple Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Bank Account b,d
- Form 41 Application to reliquish allocation to reduce carryover volume
b.Applications to associate a water share with land (Forms 1, 3, 7, 9 or 40) where the water share owner is not the land owner of the water-use licence covering that land, must be accompanied by this declaration.
c.Form 3 is not intended for use when land is being sub-divided and sold with a water entitlement. If you are transferring or subdividing your land, please contact your water corporation for advice on the application forms you will need to complete any water share transaction.
d.Where there is insufficient space on Form 40, this annexure should be used.
* Forms 6 and 25 must be obtained directly from your water corporation.
Allocation trade
Applications to trade allocation must be in the approved form and lodged with the water corporation.
Relinquishing allocation
Entitlement holders can now apply to relinquish allocation if they do not wish to carry over their unused water at the end of the season.Download PDF How to relinquish allocation (PDF - 193 KB)
Allocation trade applications
- Form 39 Application to trade water allocation
- Form 39 Directions Direction relating to submission of application to trade water allocation by email
- Form 39a Authorising an agent to trade water allocation with optional on-line access and to record the authorisation in the Water Register
- Form 39b Limited authorisation of an agent to trade water allocation (without recording the authorisation in the Water Register)
Take and use licences
Each water corporation has their own application forms relating to requests to issue, transfer and renew take and use licences. These forms are available from the water corporations’ websites.
Take and use license applications
Works licences
Each water corporation has their own application forms relating to works licences. These forms are available from the water corporations’ websites.
Works license applications
- Form 29 Application for the Issue of a Works Licence (in a declared system)
- Form 31 Application to Amend, Renew and/or Transfer a Works Licence
Transferring water with land
The fact sheet below provides information about which water entitlements transfer with land when it is sold, and which need to be transferred separately.Download PDF Transferring water entitlements fact sheet (PDF - 358 Kb)
Fees for applications to the Water Registrar
Fees for transactions lodged with the Water Registrar from 1 July 2013 are available below.
Your guide to Land Victoria water share transaction fees for 2013 (PDF - 103 Kb)
Your guide to Land Victoria water share transaction fees for 2013 (accessible version) (DOC - 696 Kb)
Forms for licences / registrations
Water-use licence/registration applications
Water-use licence and registration applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
Download PDF Form 64 Application to Transfer Annual Use LimitTransfer of annual use limit can occur between water-use licences either within the same salinity impact zone or to a lower salinity impact zone. Applications must be submitted to your Water Corporation
- Form 23 Application for a Water-Use Licence or a Water-Use Registration
- Annexure to Form 23 – use this if more space is required for signatures
- Form 24 Application to Vary a Water-Use Licence and/or Water-Use Registration
- Annexure to Form 24 – use this if more space is required for signatures
- Form 25 Application to Cancel a Water-Use Licence and/or Water-Use Registration
Linking Multiple Water Shares and/or Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Account
Form 40 Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
- Form 40 Application to Link Multiple Water Shares and/or Multiple Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Account
Take and use licence applications
Each water corporation has their own application forms relating to requests to issue, transfer and renew take and use licences. These forms are available from the water corporations’ websites.
Works licence applications
Licences to construct bore(s) for domestic and stock purposes or for investigation/monitoring purposes can now be issued online via MyWater. You need to be a registered user. Click here for more information
The application forms below are still accepted by Water Corporations.
Your water corporation may require supplementary forms relating to works licences. These forms are available from the water corporation.
- Form 29 Application for the Issue of a Works Licence (in a declared system)
- Form 31 Application to Amend, Renew and/or Transfer a Works Licence
Applications that are not made through MyWater must be made using an approved form. For the water corporation to accept the application forms that can be downloaded below, they must be clearly printed on white A4 paper, in portrait format, and in black ink.
Each application form must have its own unique application number. Therefore, you cannot download the form and photocopy it for multiple applications. Instructions for completing and submitting the forms are included as explanatory notes on the form.
To pay for any applications relating to a water share, water-use licence / registration or works licence please contact the Water Corporation directly as a part of lodging / processing your application(s).
Fees
Fees for applications to Water Corporations
Application Fees
| Application | Current Fee ($) | tip |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1 Application to Transfer a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 5 Application to Divide a Water Share | 192.10 | |
| Form 6 Application to Consolidate Water Shares | 192.10 | |
| Form 7 Application for the Issue of a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 8 Application to Cancel a Water Share | 228.10 | |
| Form 9 Application to Vary a Water Share | 101.50 | |
| Form 10 Application for a Limited Term transfer | 228.10 | |
| Form 39 Application to Trade Water Allocation | 101.50 | |
| Form 39 Application to Trade Water Allocation (submitted via My Water) | 53.80 |
Form 14 Application to Vary Extraction Share: The application fee is $228.10.
Form 16 Application to Transfer Extraction Share: The application fee is $228.10.
Form 20 Application for Place of Take Approvals at a New Service Point: The application fee is $228.10.
Form 40 Application to Link Multiple Water Shares and/or Multiple Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Account: The application fee is $101.50 for each water share and each water-use licence added to the allocation account. Plus, any allocation trades requested under 3B of Form 40 will incur a fee of $101.50 per trade. If unsure, please contact your water corporation for assistance.
Application for the Issue of a Works Licence: Registered users of MyWater can now make online applications for Investigation, Observation or, Domestic & Stock bore construction licences, refer to the MyWater information page
For all other types of works, applications can be made directly with the relevant water corporation using a Form 29.
Fees for applications to the Water Registrar
To record the transfer of a water share, to discharge a mortgage on a water share, or record a legal personal representative (as well as other similar business) you need to apply to the Water Registrar. More information about applications to the Registrar is available here.
The table below shows the fees for applications lodged with the Water Registrar.
Lodgement Fees
| Action legend: |
| * you must start by applying to your water authority for approval |
| # you must lodge directly with the Water Registrar |
| Transaction | Action | Current Fee ($) | tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Water Share | * | 146.40 | |
| Limited Term Transfer | * | 146.40 | |
| Surrender of Limited Term Transfer | # | 73.30 | |
| Mortgage of Water Share | # | 73.30 | |
| Discharge of Mortgage of Water Share | # | 73.30 | |
| Transfer of Water Share by Mortgagee | # | 146.40 | |
| Variation of Recorded Mortgage of Water Share | # | 73.30 | |
| Transfer of Recorded Mortgage of Water Share | # | 73.30 | |
| Variation in Priority of Recorded Mortgages of Water Share | # | 73.30 | |
| Application by Surviving Owner of a Water Share | # | 146.40 | |
| Application by Legal Personal Representative in Respect of Water Share (LPR) | # | 146.40 | |
| Transmission Application by Trustee in Bankruptcy of Water Share | # | 146.40 | |
| Application to correct or amend name in Register | # | 146.40 | |
| Memorandum of Common Provisions for Water Share Mortgage | # | 146.40 |
| Search type | Current Fee ($) | tip |
|---|---|---|
| Search by applicant accessing an online facility established by the Registrar | 16.80 | |
| Water share record search by Registrar on behalf of applicant (a hard copy of the results provided to the applicant) | 32.10 | |
| Instrument search by Registrar on behalf of applicant (a hard copy of the results provided to the applicant | 16.80 |
Fees for the purchase of a copy of record on Water Register website
Water Register Copy of Record Fee
| Transaction | Current Fee ($) | tip |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase of a Copy of Record from Victorian Water Register website | 16.80 |
Fees for applications to the Water Registrar are set under the Water (Resource Management) Regulations 2007, and fees for applications to Water Corporations are set under the Water (Resource Management) Amendment Regulations 2009. On 1 July each year, all fees are indexed in accordance with the Monetary Units Act 2004.
Forms and fees
Restructuring and/or transferring water services with land
When you want to reorganise water services and/or sell water as part of a land sale water corporations can help you package all relevant water services into one simplified application. For more information see below;
Download PDF Making land and water dealings easier (PDF - 246 Kb)Download PDF Restructuring water services (PDF - 235 Kb) Download PDF Transferring water services with land (PDF - 241 Kb)Water Shares
Water share applications using approved forms must be submitted at your water corporation.
Water share transfers must be recorded by the Water Registrar. If the water corporation approves your application to transfer a water share you will then need to apply to the Water Registrar to record the transfer. You will be given important information and useful instructions about this second step in the correspondence you receive from the water corporation.
Applications to the Water Registrar
The Registrar has its own application forms available from the Registrar's website
Allocation
Application forms are available to trade allocation, authorise agents to trade from your allocation account, request a new allocation account and to relinquish allocation. The relevant approved forms must be submitted at your water corporation.
Water-use licences / registrations
Application forms pertaining to water-use licences and registrations must be submitted to your water corporation.
Annual use limit transfers
Form 64 to transfer annual use limit between water-use licences must be submitted to your water corporation.
General place of take approvals
Application forms related to general place of take approvals and extraction share must be submitted to your water corporation.
Delivery shares
Each water corporation has their own application forms relating to delivery share. These forms are available from your water corporation.
Works licences
Bore construction licences (BCLs) – can now be issued online quickly and at less cost. Apply online for domestic and stock use (D&S) or for investigation/monitoring purposes.
Applying online means:
- Faster approval (within minutes for most applications)
- Cost savings – online fees are cheaper than over-the-counter fees
For more information please refer to the MyWater information page. For general advice about bore construction licences please contact the relevant water corporation.
Application forms pertaining to works licences (for example, to construct, operate or decommission works) must be submitted to your water corporation.
Your water corporation may require supplementary forms relating to works licences. These forms are available from the water corporations’ websites.
Take and use licences
Each water corporation has their own application forms relating to the issue, transfer and renewal of take and use licences. These forms are available from your water corporation.
On this webpage, notional rationing rate under section 3(1) of the Water Act 1989 is referred to as 'extraction share’.
Water share forms
Restructuring and/or transferring water services with land
When you want to restructure water services or, sell water as part of a land sale, we can help the process by packaging everything into one, streamlined application. To learn more about this process, read the PDF Making Land and Water Dealings easier and talk to the relevant Water Corporation.
Transferring water shares
Water Share Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
If you are transferring both water share and land ownership, you must consult the relevant Water Corporation. They will clarify your needs and create a customised Form 55. That for will capture all the elements that you want changed and streamline the process to ensure no aspect is missed.
To transfer the ownership of the water share on its own, use the forms below. Both Form 1 and Form 10 must be accompanied by a Water Share Owner Identity Check.
- Form 1 - Application to Transfer a Water Share
- Annexure to Form 1 - use this if more space is required for signatures or portion transfers.
- Form 10 - Application for a Limited Term Transfer
- Annexure to Form 10 - use this if more space is required for signatures or portion transfers.
-
- Annexure 1 to Form 55 - Change buyers' and sellers' contact details.
- Annexure 2 to Form 55 - Buyers wish to own the water share as tenants in common.
- Annexure 3 to Form 55 - Add additional buyer contact details and signatures.
- Annexure 1 to Form 55 - Change buyers' and sellers' contact details.
Mortgagees exercising a power of sale of a water share
In addition to the above forms mortgagees should complete and submit Annexure 4.
Download PDF Annexure 4 Mortgagee exercising power of sale
If the water corporation approves your application to transfer your water share you will then need to apply to the Water Registrar to record the transfer. You will receive appropriate instructions in correspondence from your water corporation.
Other water share applications
Water Share Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page. The combined size of attachments for online applications must not exceed 10Mb in total.
- Form 5 Application to Divide a Water Share
- Form 6 Application to Consolidate Water Shares
- Form 7 Application for the Issue of a Water Share
- Form 8 Application to Cancel a Water Share
- Form 9 Application to Vary a Water Share
Linking Multiple Water Shares and/or Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Account
Form 40 Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
- Form 40 Application to Link Multiple Water Shares and/or Multiple Water-Use Licences to a Single Allocation Account
Information and resources
External websites
These websites provide more information about water management and related issues.
Frequently asked questions
More information about frequently asked questions.
What can I do on this website?
- Download copies of individual water share, water-use licence/registration and take and use licence records by paying $16.80 each. Payment must be made by credit card.
- Find out about the distribution of entitlements by water system and trading zone
- Get information about trading rules and trades that have occurred
- Sell allocation (on-line allocation trading via the 'My Water' page)
- Track the progress of your application to trade water allocation
- Track the progress of your applications to transfer a water share
This website does not provide public access to edit any information stored on the register. This website will be continually developed and improved to provide more information about water trade and accounting. It will generate reports on levels of use, directions of trade, and prices paid.
What is the role of the Victorian Water Registrar?
The Victorian Water Registrar is responsible for recording certain information about water share transactions, including transfers, mortgages, limited term transfers and discharges of mortgage, on the Water Register, and ensuring accuracy, reliability and accessibility of that information. More information can be found on the Water Registrar website.
How do I complete an Application to Trade Water Allocation (Form 39)?
The Application to Trade Water Allocation (Form 39) is available from the Forms and fees section of the website, or from your local water corporation.
The form is uniquely numbered and requires the details of the water being traded (volume, total trade value), as well as the details of the allocation account from which the water is being traded, and the details, including the name of one of the holders, of the allocation account the allocation is being traded into.
The application form must be signed by all the owners (sellers) of the allocation, or a third party authorised to act on behalf of the owners. No signature is required of the buyer.Further detailed information is provided on the form itself, and your water corporation or broker will also be able to help.
How do I complete applications for other transactions (eg. transfer of a water share)?
Uniquely numbered application forms can be obtained from the Forms and fees section of the website, or from your local water corporation.
How is my application coming along?
An application for trade of allocation or transfer of a water share can be tracked on the Water trading>status-of-trading-applications section of the website. You will require the application number.
What do I need to do if I am selling my property and want to transfer the water and land to the purchaser?
There is now an easier way to re-organise or sell water as part of a land sale. Water corporations can help you package all relevant water services into one simplified application. More
What is a WEE number?
A Water Entitlement Entity (WEE) number is a unique number used to identify your water share in the register. Your WEE number is used on any applications to trade your water share.
Where can I get a company extract?
If the seller of the water share is a company, a company extract that is not more than 12 months old must be attached to the application. A company extract can be obtained on-line from www.asic.gov.au for a fee of approximately $20.
If you do not have access to the internet your broker or accountant should be able to access a copy on-line. However, they may charge for this service. You should check with your broker or accountant.
Water authorities will accept photocopies of your company extract. You should retain a copy for 12 months.
I purchased a water share and the transfer was recorded by the Water Registrar on the same day that seasonal allocation was issued to the water share. Why was the allocation not issued to my account?
Seasonal allocations made against a water share are credited into the allocation account that is linked to the water share at midnight. This is done so that all water share transfers that are recorded on the day of the allocation announcement are treated equally in relation to water allocations.
If I purchase a water share, when can I use water?
Water cannot be used until it is credited to your allocation account. If the purchase was made before the opening of the irrigation season, any allocations made against your newly acquired water share in the coming season will be credited to your account, and can then be used.
If the purchase was made mid-season, any allocations made after the purchase is finalised will be credited to your allocation account, and may be used. Allocations may also be traded from other allocation accounts, for instance from the seller of the property, and can be used once that trade is completed.
What are the current water prices?
The price of water is determined by the market, and details of each trade, including price paid, are recorded on the register.
Based on this some statistical information about water prices, number of trades and volumes traded, for both water share and allocation trades, is available from the Water Trading Information > Water Shares and the Water Trading section of the website. Price information is also available from water brokers and exchanges.
Where can I find information about current irrigation system allocations?
Goulburn-Murray Water can provide information about current allocations in northern Victoria, while Southern Rural Water provides the allocation announcements for the regulated systems in southern Victoria. A summary of allocations in the unbundled Victorian systems can be found in the Water-availability-and-use > Seasonal Determinations section of the website.
Where can I trade my allocation to?
Trade within a trading zone is generally unrestricted. Trade between zones, and interstate trading, is governed by trading rules, which can be found in the Water Trading Information > Rules and Maps section of the website.
Why do interstate trades of allocation take longer?
Allocation trades within Victoria occur in a single water register, and so are quicker than interstate trades. Interstate trades require the approval of water authorities in both States, following a protocol agreed between governments under the Murray Darling Basin Agreement.
Why doesn't the allocation transfer over when a water share transfer is completed?
Seasonal allocations made against a water share are credited into the allocation account of the owner of that water share, and remain in that account for the duration of the irrigation season, or until the water is used or sold.
If the water share is traded to a new owner, any allocations made after the transfer is completed will be credited to the allocation account of the new owner.
How is the Victorian Water Register established and maintained?
The Victorian Water Register was established and maintained under section 84D of the Water Act 1989. The Minister for Water clarified the rules for its management on 1 July 2024.
Carryover resources
Numerous resources are available to help you understand carryover and to answer any queries you may have.
What are my rights and obligations for taking and using water?
You can find out more about your rights and obligations;
- on your licence or entitlement
- from the water entitlements pages on this website
- from your water corporation’s website
- or by contacting your rural water corporation
How do water corporations monitor compliance?
Water corporations routinely
- read meters outside of scheduled meter reads
- make spot checks for illegal bores, works and meter tampering
- carry out inspections to see if water is being used illegally
- confirm licence details
- inspect dams to ensure that enough water is being passed on downstream.
Officers appointed by your water corporation will investigate any suspected breach and decide on a suitable response. If an offence is proven the response may include court action.
What are the penalties for offenders?
Penalties for unlawfully taking water, interfering with metering equipment and unlawfully constructing works are decided by the courts in line with the Water Act.
Penalties are expressed in penalty units (pu), which are updated each year.
For example, the penalty for the first offence of unauthorised use of water is a maximum of 60pu. At July 2014 this is equal to $8,856 or up to six months in jail.
What can I do if I think someone else is doing the wrong thing?
Anyone who suspects a breach of the water laws is encouraged to contact their water corporation.
Allocation forms
Allocation trade
Allocation Trade Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
You can now edit the Form 39a - Authorise an Agent on screen before printing, signing and submitting it to your Water Corporation for processing. This will make the forms easier to process and minimise errors.
- Form 39 - Application to trade water allocation - each Form 39 opened has a unique application number, and can only be used once.
- Form 39a - Authorise an Agent - DELWP recommends that you fill this form in online and then print it for signing. Once processed, the nominated Agent will have online access to the specified ABA's for trading. This authority is recorded in the Victorian Water Register.
- Form 39b - Limited Authorisation of an Agent - This provides the nominated Agent limited authority. This is not recorded in the Victorian Water Register
Relinquishing allocation
Entitlement holders can now apply to relinquish allocation if they do not wish to carry over their unused water at the end of the season. There is no fee for this application.
- Form 41 Application to relinquish allocation to reduce carry over volume
Each Form 41 downloaded will have its own unique application number and cannot be photocopied for multiple applications.
Download PDF How to relinquish allocation (PDF - 193 KB)Allocation account management
Allocation Account Management Applications can now be lodged electronically either through MyWater or at our Submit Application Forms page.
Anyone can now apply for a new allocation account (ABA). There is no fee for this application. Registered 'My water' users may apply online. Follow the link to register or login at My Water
Alternatively you may apply to your water corporation on the approved application form provided below:
- Form 43 Application for a new allocation account
In certain circumstances you may apply to amend the ownership of an allocation account. To amend the ownership of an ABA you will need to apply to your water corporation on the approved application form provided below. There is no fee for this application.
- Form 44 Application to amend allocation account holders
Please note: All applications must be made using an approved forms. For the water corporation to accept the application forms that can be downloaded below, they must be clearly printed on white A4 paper in portrait format. Instructions for completing and submitting the forms are included as explanatory notes on the form.
Water reform history
Managing extreme water shortages in Victoria – Lessons from the Millennium Drought
The dry conditions experienced between 1996 and 2010, often described as the 'Millennium Drought', brought about changes in how water is managed in Victoria.
The report Managing Extreme Water Shortage in Victoria: Lessons from the Millennium Drought is now available on the DEECA website. This documents the experiences of water managers across Victoria during the Millennium Drought, and highlights the lessons learned about water planning and management. The report provides an insight into how the Victorian water entitlement and water planning framework was strengthened to manage future dry climate conditions.
The report captures the steps taken to address low water resource availability and to ensure equitable, efficient and appropriate use of water. This includes changes to water resource management in all sectors (urban, irrigation, domestic and stock, and environmental), as well as investment in infrastructure, water efficiency and behavioural change programs.
Carryover
Northern Victoria
Carryover was introduced in the Murray and Goulburn water systems of northern Victoria in early 2007 as an emergency drought measure and under conservative rules to limit the amount that individuals could carry over.
After the initial success in 2007, carryover was made permanent later that year and extended to the Campaspe, Broken, Loddon and Bullarook water systems, effective in mid-2008, with a future review flagged to investigate ways to improve the rules for all water users.
A review of the carryover rules to give users greater choice in managing their water was conducted through the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy. Analysis on the adoption of carryover to date (see report below) supported the proposal in the Draft Strategy for some limited changes to take effect in mid-2009, prior to completing a final review before 2010.
The limit on carryover was increased from 30 to 50 per cent of entitlement volume in 2009. The terms and conditions for carryover in 2009 are available below.
This proposal introduced the concept of the ‘spillable water account’, allowing entitlement-holders to retain their carryover when allocations reach 100 per cent so long as there is available capacity in the water storages.
After consultation, the final Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy committed to the implementation of these new carryover rules to overcome the limitations of the 100 per cent rule, and give greater flexibility to all entitlement holders to manage their water availability.
Following the deliberations of an Implementation Committee comprising key stakeholders, the new carryover rules for the Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe water systems were confirmed in 2010.
Carryover rules on the Broken, Loddon and Bullarook regulated systems currently remain the same as for the 2009 season. These systems, which have smaller storages and different inflow patterns, require more work to assess the additional benefit that spillable water account arrangements could provide.
Statistics and reports on the use of carryover in northern Victoria are available here.
Download PDF Terms and conditions for carryover_2008 (PDF - 417 Kb) which details the terms and conditions for carryover in these first two years
Download PDF NRSWS BR7A_Analysis of carryover options for Draft Strategy (PDF - 656 Kb)
Download PDF Terms and conditions for carryover_2009 (PDF - 656 Kb)
Download PDF NRSWS BR7C_Analysis of Carryover and Options Rights to Storage (PDF - 422 Kb) describes the broader analysis undertaken to support the final review of carryover options in the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
Download PDF NRSWS BR7B_Proposal for future carryover arrangements (PDF - 422 Kb) was released to seek feedback on the proposed final carryover arrangements to be implemented for 2010.Download PDF NRSWS Project Update 6_Carryover (PDF - 422 Kb)
Historical carryover reports and statistics
The reports below provide information on the use of carryover in northern Victoria this year and in previous years.
Northern Victorian entitlement holders started the 2010-11 season with the highest-ever volumes of carryover. Full details are available below.
Download PDF Carryover in northern Victoria in 2010-11 (PDF - 98 Kb) which provides a summary of water carried over on the Murray and Goulburn systems in 2009-10 and the full effects of the 100% limit after final seasonal allocations were announced.
Download PDF Summary of carryover in 2009-10 (PDF - 28 Kb) summarises the volume carried over into 2009-10 for all northern Victorian water systems.
Download PDF 2009-10 carryover statistics (PDF - 28 Kb)
Download PDF Carryover in northern Victoria in 2007 & 2008 (PDF - 28 Kb) summarises the volumes of water carried into the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons for all northern Victorian water systems.
Unbundling
Unbundling describes a major Victorian water entitlement reform which can be implemented in declared water systems. Unbundling involves separating the traditional entitlements of water rights in districts and take and use licences on waterways into a:
- Water share: high-reliability, and low-reliability where people have had access to sales water;
- Delivery share in districts, or extraction share on waterways
- Water-use licence or water-use registration for non-irrigators
These changes provide greater flexibility to irrigators and diverters to manage their water use and their risks, through easier water trade and increased entitlement certainty.
Northern Victoria
Water entitlements on regulated water systems in northern Victoria were unbundled on 1 July 2007 when these systems became declared water systems. Water rights and take and use licences in the seven declared surface water systems were converted into new entitlements according to these conversion rules.
Download PDF Declaration of water systems in Northern Victoria (PDF - 93kb)
Download PDF Conversion rules for regulated water systems in northern Victoria (PDF - 1.8Mb)
Southern Victoria
Water entitlements on the Werribee, Bacchus Marsh and Macalister/Thomson regulated water systems in southern Victoria were unbundled on 1 July 2008 when these systems became declared water systems.
Water rights and take and use licences in the three declared surface water systems in southern Victoria were converted into new entitlements according to the rules below. At this stage unbundling does not apply to groundwater, unregulated waterways or recycled water.