Public notice
Southern Rural Water (SRW) is calling for expressions of interest to participate in the sale of 2,000 megalitres (ML) of winterfill water within the Mitchell River catchment.
As outlined in the 2011 Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS), a volume of 6,000 ML of winterfill water was put aside for allocation in the Mitchell River catchment. SRW advises that 4,000 ML of the 6,000 ML has already been allocated and the remaining 2,000 ML will now be allocated.
Winterfill water can only be harvested from 1 July to 31 October in any year. The winterfill water will be allocated through a transparent process and depending on the level of response, may be allocated via an auction or tender system. The allocation process will result in the issuance of new winterfill take and use licences to successful parties. These licences will be subject to a range of conditions.
SRW will assess your eligibility to participate. Eligibility criteria includes the need to own land or otherwise have access to land in the Mitchell River catchment with direct access to the mainstream of the Mitchell River for pumping purposes. An assessment of Sustainable Diversion Limits will determine availability of water at proposed harvesting locations within the catchment. Full eligibility criteria can be obtained by requesting an expression of interest information pack.
Some successful parties may need to construct new off-stream dams to store this water. Such dams may be subject to statutory approval and potential participants should discuss approval processes with SRW staff through the application process. New and expanded irrigation developments may be required to prepare irrigation and drainage plans.
Applications clearly marked Mitchell River Winterfill will be received up to 4pm, 25 July 2023, and can be sent by email to srw@srw.com.au or post to:
Southern Rural Water, P.O. Box 153, MAFFRA VIC 3860
To obtain an expression of interest application form, or for general enquiries, please contact Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510 or srw@srw.com.au.