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Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth

The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland.

By news@gippsland - 3rd December 2025 - Back to News

As part of the Future of Orbost & District Project, East Gippsland Shire Council has been working closely with the Agricultural Innovation Working Group to understand water demand and availability, helping strengthen long-term water access and security.

The Agriculture Innovation Working Group revealed key findings: existing Snowy River licences are transferable, offering flexibility, better use of allocations, and highlighting successful collaboration in the Future of Orbost Project

Farming opportunities unlocked

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said that while water alone doesn’t drive growth, it is a vital enabler supporting innovation, productivity, and diversification across local agriculture. "Projects like this give communities hope and highlight opportunities for growth and innovation with the resources they have," Cr Ashworth said.

Through the work of the Agriculture Innovation Working Group, the project has uncovered several key findings. Although Southern Rural Water (SRW) manages licences under strict regulations and no new licences are available on the Snowy River, there is flexibility within the existing system.

Many farmers may not realise that current water licences can be transferred - permanently or temporarily -potentially making better use of underutilised allocations. The Future of Orbost Project also acknowledged the success of the collaboration.

Water access guidance

Innovation Working Group member Chris Nixon said, "Council’s done a lot of the grunt work. That’s a big help when we’re flat out running the day-to-day operations of our farms. It’s important that Council and other key stakeholders recognise that, for job creation, diversifying the industry, and value-adding to our products, we need their support - and Council has done that here. We’re thankful for the help we’ve received."

Farmers looking to explore opportunities can use:

• Victorian Water Register: Transparent access to water entitlement information
• SRW’s Water Trading Guidance: Step-by-step support for buying, selling, leasing, or transferring water, including a Facebook group to connect with other farmers

"Farmers seeking personalised advice are encouraged to contact their local SRW representative. Through this project, we are helping unlock sustainable growth and build resilience in one of the region’s most important industries, showing that even through tough transitions, hope and opportunity remain," Cr Ashworth said.
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Pictures from SES Gippsland Region Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 10-Year Master Plan to preserve and enhance Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed a 10-year master plan for Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park, guiding future improvements, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing amenities for community enjoyment.
• Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
  Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities.
• Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
• South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
  Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.