A company was convicted and fined $10,000 for drilling two illegal groundwater bores in Ascot Vale, Melbourne.
The matter was heard in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 October. The offender was charged with drilling two bores deeper than five metres without the appropriate licence.
Under the Water Act 1989 drilling of any bore more than three meters deep, including to access groundwater or observe groundwater levels, requires a drilling licence.
For this non-compliance, the company was fined $10,000 and ordered to cover Southern Rural Water’s court costs.
The matter was investigated after a member of the public contacted Southern Rural Water about suspected suspicious activity near their home in Ascot Vale.
Russell Tomlin, Southern Rural Water Manager Groundwater and Rivers Operations and Compliance said there is a zero tolerance approach to non-compliance.
“We are responsible for water licencing and regulation in southern Victoria. We take our job seriously because water needs to be managed fairly for all water users.”
“If we find serious non-compliance as defined in the Water Act 1989, we will deal with this through prosecution,” he said.
Mr Tomlin said it is the responsibility of all water users and companies providing bore drilling services to understand the regulations and comply with their licence terms and conditions.
“In fact, we have a dedicated drilling inspector who can advise on compliance, following the correct process and the technical information needed to safely and lawfully access groundwater.”
“We work with farmers, businesses, individuals, and the community to help them with water licences, understanding the conditions of their licence, and complying with the regulations. So, get in touch and we can help you do the right thing,” he said.