Summary of July 2026 trade openings
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The July 2026 Victorian trade openings have been completed successfully.
On Wednesday 1 July 2026, the Broken Trade Out and NSW to Vic trade opportunities opened at 12 pm on a first-in, first-served approach with automated processing of applications.
The Register was then opened on Thursday 2 July for Barmah and Goulburn-to-Murray trade applications with a submission window between 7 am and 2 pm. The trade applications were processed the following day on Friday 3 July 2026.
Key statistics
Barmah Narrows Trade Opening
DEECA and WaterNSW undertook a joint randomisation process to determine the processing order for eligible Barmah applications.
- The Murray-Darling Basin Authority made 24,121.3 megalitres (ML) of allocation trade opportunity available from above to below the Barmah Narrows.
- In total, 214 eligible trade applications were received for a volume of 67,445.2 ML.
- 62 trade applications were successful for a volume of 24,102.4 ML.
- 152 trade applications were unsuccessful for a volume of 43,342.8 ML.
- 136 eligible trade applications were submitted in Victoria for a total of 31,253.1 ML.
- 33 trade applications from Victoria were successful for a total of 8,884.2 ML.
- 103 trade applications from Victoria were unsuccessful for a total of 22,368.9 ML due to insufficient Barmah opportunity.
- 78 eligible trade applications were submitted in NSW for a total of 36,192.1 ML.
- 29 trade applications from NSW were successful for a total of 15,218.2 ML.
- 49 trade applications from NSW were unsuccessful for a total of 20,973.9 ML due to insufficient Barmah opportunity.
Goulburn-to-Murray
- The volume of allocation trade opportunity made available was 112,827.9 ML.
- In total, 286 eligible trade applications were received for a volume of 119,285.3 ML.
- 282 trade applications were successful for a volume of 112,555.3 ML.
- 4 trade applications were unsuccessful for a volume of 6,730 ML.
Victoria will release a comprehensive post-trade report covering both the Barmah and Goulburn-to-Murray trade openings. The report will be released on the Victorian Water Register website.
Why was less than 1,500 ML available when the Broken Trade Out Limit opened?
As previously communicated, trade is allowed when the Broken system’s intervalley trade (IVT) account owes less than 1,500 ML to the Goulburn system.
The Northern Victoria Resource Manager reported on 1 July 2026 the Broken system owed around 1160 ML to the Goulburn system from water in the Broken Inter-Valley Trade (IVT) account that was not delivered in 2025–26. Therefore, only around 340 ML of opportunity could be made available on 1 July.
Trading opportunities may increase later in the season when water is delivered from the IVT account or if trade occurs back into the Broken system.
Lower Broken Creek tagged use exemption extended to 30 June 2030
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Customers using tagged Goulburn water in the Lower Broken Creek have been able to access an exemption from Goulburn to Murray trade limit restrictions since 2019.
This exemption is currently due to expire on 30 June 2026.
The Minister has recently approved an extension to the exemption through to 30 June 2030, and the remade instrument has now been formally gazetted here (page 1564)
Read more: Lower Broken Creek tagged use exemption extended to 30 June 2030
Notification: Victorian Water Register, My Water and Broker Portal offline for end of water year
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This is a reminder that the Victorian Water Register will close at 12 pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026 for end-of-year accounting to transition from the 2025–26 to the 2026–27 water year. The register will reopen at 9 am on 1 July 2026.
The following online services will be unavailable during the shutdown time:
- My Water (including online allocation trading, bore construction licence applications, and the Broker Portal)
- Copy of Record purchases
- Victorian Water Register website.
Lower Broken Creek tagged use exemption to continue
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Customers using tagged Goulburn water in the Lower Broken Creek have been able to access an exemption from Goulburn to Murray trade limit restrictions since 2019.
This exemption is currently due to expire on 30 June 2026.
The Minister has recently approved an extension to the exemption through to 30 June 2030. This extension will be formally gazetted shortly.
Read more: Lower Broken Creek tagged use exemption to continue
Reminder: Upcoming allocation trade closing and opening times
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This article is a reminder of important information regarding allocation trade closing and opening times for June and July 2026. For further information or assistance, reach out to the Victorian Water Register team on waterregister.support@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Important dates and times for traders, brokers, and irrigators
2025–26 allocation trade closing times
The Victorian Water Register, including My Water and the Broker Portal, will close for end-of-year (EOY) processing at 12 pm Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Online applications to trade allocation within Victoria must be submitted by 12 pm on 30 June 2026 for processing in the 2025–26 water year.
Complete information for application processing for end of the 2025–26 water year was published 7 May 2026.
Read more: Reminder: Upcoming allocation trade closing and opening times
Important trade opening information for the start of the 2026–27 water year
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This article contains important information relating to July 2026 trade openings, including key dates, processes and estimated volumes. Information about end-of-water-year closing times for the Victorian Water Register (VWR) and application deadlines was published on Monday 11 May 2026.
Important opening dates for traders, brokers and irrigators
Wednesday 1 July 2026
- The Broken Trade Out and NSW to Vic trade opportunities open at 12 pm on Wednesday 1 July 2026. These openings will proceed with a first-in, first-served approach, with automated processing of applications.
Thursday 2 July 2026
- The MDBA Barmah and Goulburn-to-Murray trade opportunities will have a 7-hour submission window from 7 am to 2 pm on Thursday 2 July 2026. Applications received in these openings will be processed using the randomisation approach.
Read more: Important trade opening information for the start of the 2026–27 water year
Important: Multi-factor authentication now live on My Water and Broker Portal
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Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has now been implemented on My Water and the Broker Portal.
Following this important security update, users are now required, upon each login, to enter their username, password, and a one-time verification code sent to their registered email address.
With the Goulburn-to-Murray and Barmah July trade openings commencing on Wednesday 2 July 2026, users are strongly encouraged to confirm they can access My Water in advance to avoid any delays or issues during the submission window.
Read more: Important: Multi-factor authentication now live on My Water and Broker Portal
Final reminder: Act now – multi-factor authentication from Tuesday 2 June
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What is happening
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) would like to remind users of the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on My Water and the Broker Portal from 7 am on Tuesday 2 June 2026. MFA is a process of identity confirmation that adds an extra layer of security at login. It is a standard cyber-security measure used across government and industry.
Users are asked to act now to ensure their account information is up to date to ensure continued access to services.
Read more: Final reminder: Act now – multi-factor authentication from Tuesday 2 June
Important reminder: multi-factor authentication from Tuesday 2 June
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What is happening
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) would like to remind users of the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on My Water and the Broker Portal from 7 am on Tuesday 2 June 2026. MFA is a process of identity confirmation that adds an extra layer of security at login. It is a standard cyber-security measure used across government and industry.
Users are asked to act to ensure their account information is up to date to ensure access to services.
Read more: Important reminder: multi-factor authentication from Tuesday 2 June
Improving access to trade in southern Murray-Darling Basin – options assessment consultation
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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and WaterNSW have jointly released an assessment of options to improve the equity and efficiency of access to allocation trade during the Barmah, Goulburn and Murrumbidgee scheduled trade openings.
We are now seeking feedback to inform preferred options for DEECA and WaterNSW to implement subject to resourcing and funding. The options assessment report is available on the Engage Victoria and WaterNSW websites, where submissions can also be made.
DEECA and WaterNSW will also be hosting a joint webinar on Thursday 21 May 2026 at 11.30 am, including a presentation on the report findings and a Q&A session. Please register for the webinar on Microsoft Events.
Findings from this consultation will be used to inform preferred options for DEECA and WaterNSW to implement, subject to resourcing and funding.
Multi-factor authentication to go live on Tuesday 2 June 2026
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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) will implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on My Water and the Broker Portal from Tuesday 2 June 2026. MFA adds an extra layer of security at sign-in and is a standard cyber-security measure used across government and industry.
This update is part of a suite of minor enhancements being released over 1–2 June to strengthen the security of the Victorian Water Register (VWR) and increase protection of user accounts and information. This release includes updated and expanded My Water Terms and Conditions of Use, clearer conditions for system access, and enhancements to the login process. As part of this uplift, users will be required to maintain individual user accounts, with the use of generic or shared email addresses no longer supported.
Once MFA goes live on 2 June, users will be required, during login, to enter a one-time verification code sent to the email address they are registered with.
Read more: Multi-factor authentication to go live on Tuesday 2 June 2026
Important information: July trade openings
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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has confirmed dates for the 2026 July inter-valley trade openings. Estimated volumes will be announced closer to the events.
Important opening dates for traders, brokers, and irrigators
Wednesday 1 July 2026
- The Broken Trade Out and NSW to Vic trade opportunities are scheduled for Wednesday 1 July 2026. These openings will proceed with a first in, first served approach.
Thursday 2 July 2026
- The MDBA Barmah and Goulburn-to-Murray trade opportunities are scheduled for Thursday 2 July 2026. Applications received in these openings will be processed using a randomisation approach.
Important dates – end of 2025–26 water year application processing
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The Victorian Water Register, including My Water and the Broker Portal, will close for end-of-year processing at 12 noon Tuesday 30 June 2026. Services will re-open at 9 am on Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Important information regarding times and dates for the July 2026 trade openings will be provided soon.
If you are trading allocation or water shares before the end of the water year, please be aware of the important dates and times below. There is no guarantee that applications submitted after these times will be processed in the 2025–26 water year.
Read more: Important dates – end of 2025–26 water year application processing
Victorian Murray Shortfall Response Plan updated
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Delivering water in the Murray system has always been challenging. Water is released from water storages and travels long distances to where it is used along the length of the Murray River. Although shortfalls in the Murray below Barmah have been rare, the risk of a shortfall is increasing. The Victorian Government recognises the importance of having a plan in place to ensure the response to a shortfall event is coordinated and effective and limits the impacts on water users and the community.
The first Victorian Murray Shortfall Response Plan was published in 2022. It provided confidence and transparency in the process of managing shortfall events to Victorian water users and the community.
The plan has been updated in 2026 to reflect changes following the introduction of the ‘place of take approvals’ framework in November 2023. It also includes improved processes developed between DEECA, relevant rural water corporations and agencies.
The plan is used by the Victorian Government and agencies within the water sector with a role in the management of shortfall events. As an operational document it is subject to regular updates and will be amended over time.
Water supply and horticulture demand in the southern Basin – 2025 Update
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Victoria has released a new independent report by WSP, updating estimates of water availability and perennial horticulture demands in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.
The updated report has been developed in close collaboration with the New South Wales and South Australian governments, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and industry experts to provide an up-to-date understanding of how horticultural water demands are changing. The new report builds on analysis released in 2019, 2020 and 2022 and provides a greater level of confidence in the projected demand estimates through improved data accuracy.
The report finds that there remains a risk of not enough water being available; this is particularly significant in both extreme and moderately dry conditions. Water users should remain mindful of increasing water competition, especially in the lower Murray.
Read more: Water supply and horticulture demand in the southern Basin – 2025 Update
Four new trade reports released offer insight into Victoria’s water market
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The Department and Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has released four new reports for the Victorian water market. These are:
- Water Market Trends – Updated Trends in Northern Victorian Water Trade 2001–2024
- Victorian Water Trading: 2023–24 Annual Report
- Victorian Water Trading: 2024–25 Annual Report
- Goulburn-to-Murray Post Trade Opening Report (December 2025)
The release of these reports continues the Victorian Government’s commitment to ensuring all water participants can easily access water market information.
The reports compliment an increased suite of online reports and dashboards. These provide downloadable data for interested parties to undertake their own analysis. Dashboards and reports include Frequent Traders, Large Water Owners, Water Share Transfers to the Australian Government and new data for delivery shares. They are available on the Victorian Water Register website.
Read more: Four new trade reports released offer insight into Victoria’s water market
My Water and Broker Portal Security Improvements
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To improve the security and resilience of My Water and the Broker Portal, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has planned to rollout Multiple Factor Authentication for users in the first half of 2026. This initiative strengthens cybersecurity and makes the Victorian Water Register more secure for everyone.
DEECA will provide more information for customers early next year through the Victorian Water Register news. To ensure you are kept aware of these changes, users can subscribe via the homepage at https://waterregister.vic.gov.au/.
Important information: Estimated volume announced for Goulburn-to-Murray trade opportunity on Monday 15 December 2025
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The next Goulburn-to-Murray trade opening is scheduled for Monday 15 December 2025. Based on current estimates, a minimum of 14 gigalitres (GL) of Goulburn-to-Murray trade opportunity will be released.
The estimated minimum 14 GL of trade opportunity is an indicative volume based on the available data to date. It does not include additional opportunity that may be available on 15 December following the Northern Victorian Resource Manager’s seasonal outlook announcement at 10 am. This additional opportunity can arise due to adjustments to the Legacy Trade Reserve set aside to meet historic exchange rate trade commitments.
Important information: Goulburn-to-Murray trade opening announced for Monday 15 December 2025
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The Goulburn-to-Murray Trade Limit – which governs allocation trade from the Goulburn, Broken, Campaspe, and Loddon systems to the Victorian Murray system, New South Wales, and South Australia – will open again on Monday 15 December 2025. This is the third of three Goulburn-to-Murray scheduled trade openings for the 2025–26 water year. Estimated volumes will be made public closer to this date.
- Applications for the Goulburn-to-Murray trade opportunity should be submitted during the submission window, between 7 am and 2 pm on Monday 15 December 2025.
- During the submission window, water market participants should submit trade applications through My Water or the Broker Portal, and all trade applications during this period will be queued for later processing.
- After the submission window closes, DEECA will undertake a randomisation process to determine a processing order of the applications, in the presence of an ACCC independent observer.
- Processing of applications, in the order determined by the randomisation process, will occur as soon as possible after randomisation.
Customers are encouraged to lodge trade applications throughout the 7-hour submission window. Market participants are not required to submit trade applications as soon as the submission window opens. A customer who submits a trade application at the start of the submission window will have the same chance of having their application succeed as a customer who submits at the end of the window.
Latest Victorian Water Accounts data released
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The 21st edition of the Victorian Water Accounts have been released, with water use and availability data from 2023–24 now available online.
The 2023–24 Victorian Water Accounts have been released, with 21 years of data and information now available online.
The Victorian Water Accounts are a trusted and transparent source of information that provides a comprehensive picture of the availability and use of the state’s water each year.
The reports have been released annually since 2003–04 and contain valuable data gathered during significant dry and wet periods.