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Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall

The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.

By news@gippsland - 1st September 2025 - Back to News

The Bureau of Meteorology's latest long-range forecast suggests that between September and November rainfall is very likely to be above average for most of east Australia. There is also an increased chance of usually high rainfall for much of eastern Australia, including parts of Victoria. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than average for south eastern Australia, while overnight temperatures are very likely to be above average almost nationwide.

Southern Rural Water urges regular meter readings to track usage, support allocation decisions, and assist farmers facing dry conditions or financial and mental health challenges

Track water usage

Southern Rural Water encourages you to regularly read your water metre to track usage against entitlements. This will support informed decisions about buying and selling additional seasonal or permanent allocation ahead of summer.

Low rainfall and dry conditions persist in some areas of southern Victoria, making it challenging for some farmers. If you or someone you know is struggling with financial stress and mental health challenges, reach out for support - there are resources and programs available to help.

Groundwater and rivers

While groundwater levels remain relatively healthy, these can fluctuate depending on the location. There are a range of things you can do to support an increase in water availability. In areas where groundwater is accessible, constructing additional or deepening existing bores on a property can help mitigate against the effects of drought. A bore construction licence is required to construct or alter any bore and we recommend you speak to us before applying for a licence.

Licenced groundwater users seeking to buy, or sell, permanent or temporary entitlement, can use our new online groundwater trading platform for easy and transparent market access. Please familiarise yourself with your nearest emergency water supply points. These bores can be used for water carting for emergency stock and domestic purposes during severely dry seasonal conditions.

Drought support available

The Victorian government also has a range of support available. Take time to familiarise yourself with the drought relief package. We continue to monitor stream and river flows and update the roster and restrictions information regularly.

Please note that on 1 July 2025, the Victorian Water Register applied continuous accounting measures to all water users to strengthen compliance and enforcement outcomes. This means any unauthorised take volumes from 2024-25 were deducted from the water user's licence or Allocation Bank Account (ABA) for 2025-26. If you want to regain that portion of your entitlement, you can do this by trading with another licence holder.

Macalister Irrigation District

The 2025-26 season started on 15 August, and deliveries in the channel and regulated river system have been down when compared to the five-year average thanks to good rains in July and early August. Lake Glenmaggie is currently 87 percent full and with above average rainfall predicted over the next few months, it should continue to slowly rise before summer.

If we get consistent inflows, we are targeting a full storage in mid-September. If this is reached, we will move into a spill period with the carry-over of environmental water being the first to spill. Current allocations in the Macalister Irrigation District are 95 percent for High Reliability Water Shares, this is reviewed fortnightly until we reach 100 percent. We will review Low Reliability Water Share allocation on 15 December.

In addition to completing our winter works program, we have sprayed 38 kilometres of channels to eliminate submerged weeds and desilted several others to help ensure the system runs smoothly - particularly during high-demand times. As the season progresses, orders are likely to ramp up and we strongly recommend you follow our tips for how you can get water delivered in a timelier way.

Fair water for all

Southern Rural Water has a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised water take. Water must not be taken from channels, pipes or regulated rivers without a confirmed order, and as per your allocated volume and time. Our automated systems detect discrepancies, and our Compliance Officers actively investigate these instances.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Wombat damage causes Main Northern Channel leak near Brewers Hill Road, repairs underway with wildlife considerations
  Wombat burrows damaged the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra. Repairs are underway, water supply reduced temporarily, with customer orders prioritised and wildlife protections considered.
• Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
  Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage.
• Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
  Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
  Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
  East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Nature positive farming field day, sustainable practices, carbon insights, and soil management at Malabar farm
  Join Jenny and Paul O'Sullivan at Malabar Farm on 20 November 2025 for a free Nature Positive Farming field day, exploring sustainable practices, greenhouse gas estimation, soil carbon, and carbon farming benefits.
• Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
  Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production.