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Expressions of interest in sale of 2,000 ML winter fill water from Mitchell River catchment now open

Southern Rural Water seeks expressions of interest for the sale of 2,000 ML of winter fill water in Mitchell River catchment, subject to eligibility and licensing requirements.

By news@gippsland - 5th July 2023 - Back to News

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.

Southern Rural Water invites expressions of interest for the sale of 2,000 ML of winter fill water in Mitchell River catchment

Harvesting, allocation, eligibility

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.

Dam construction

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.

Pictures from East Gippsland Water Facebook Page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Nominations open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards celebrating local community champions
  Nominations are open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, organisations, and events that make the community stronger. Entries close Friday, 24 October 2025.
• Head south to Lake Tyers Beach, admire Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, enjoy swimming, fishing, picnics, then dine at Lake Tyers Beach Tavern
  Morwell River Falls Reserve, near Boolarra, offers a fern-filled valley, cascading waterfalls, and scenic pools, just over two hours from Melbourne, perfect for a short, peaceful bushland walk.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Baw Baw Shire Council first open community briefing, involving residents in flood mapping and fostering ongoing council-community dialogue
  Baw Baw Shire Council held its first Open Community Briefing on flood mapping, engaging 17 residents in discussions and committing to ongoing transparent community engagement on key local issues.
• Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open December 1, offering free Thorpdale access, and extended Warragul season for all ages
  Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open from December 1, with Thorpdale free, Warragul extended, offering fun, safe swimming for all during summer, weather permitting.
• South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
  Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January.
• South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
  Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Glenmaggie Dam needle valve 1 shutdown planned 18 March for expert refurbishment, ensuring reliable irrigation and environmental water supply
  Glenmaggie Dam will shut down the Main Southern Channel on 18 March to remove and refurbish Needle Valve 1, ensuring reliable irrigation and environmental water flows for farms and the Macalister River.
• Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
  Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event.
• Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
  Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school.
• Marlo and Newmerella students experience hands-on learning at East Gippsland CMA River event
  Marlo and Newmerella students explored the Snowy River at an East Gippsland CMA event, learning sustainable fishing, bug and fish identification, river health, and taking home locally grown plants.
• Tim Bull urges better local firewood access from roadside clearing to ease East Gippsland shortages before winter arrives
  Tim Bull urges authorities to make roadside clearing timber available locally, expand collection areas, and improve access to firewood for East Gippsland communities ahead of winter shortages.
• Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
  Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment.
• Baw Baw Council seeks community feedback on Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy, consultation closes 22 April 2026
  Baw Baw Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy. Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026, online or at Farm World.