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Southern Rural Water invites farmers to apply for Latrobe River water as 5.3GL reallocated to boost agriculture and jobs by 30 July

Southern Rural Water invites farmers to express interest in 5.3GL reallocated from Latrobe River for agricultural use, supporting expansion, drought-proofing, and boosting regional jobs and economic resilience.

By news@gippsland - 16th June 2025 - Back to News

Southern Rural Water is seeking expressions of interest from farmers about additional water allocations from the Latrobe River. Sixteen gigalitres (GL) of water previously set aside for power generation has been reallocated equally to supply agriculture, Traditional Owners and the environment. This means 5.3 GL will be available to support farmers with their operations, or plans for expansion or drought-proofing.

Express your interest by completing and returning the form by 30 July 2025, with evidence of access, use, and licensing eligibility

Supporting regional growth

Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said Southern Rural Water recognises the importance of this reallocation and encourages farmers to consider their long-term water needs and express their genuine interest. "Irrigators along the Latrobe have been advocating for more water to boost production and the local economy for some time, so we're pleased to be able to offer this water to them."

"Whether they're looking to improve water security, expand operations or even establish a new enterprise in the region, we're keen to hear from them. This additional water will deliver community-wide benefits, through supporting agricultural production, promoting economic resilience and creating more local jobs," Mr FitzGerald said.

The allocation will improve the region in different ways. As well as local farming community benefits, the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Corporation, and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, each received 5.3 GL to support, respectively, self-determined cultural values and the environmental needs of the river system.

Water reuse opportunity

The water was made available from entitlement known as the Latrobe 3-4 Bench Bulk Water Entitlement. This was created in 1996 for future use in coal-fired power generation. However, following closure plans for the Latrobe Valley mines, a decision to reallocate 16 GL of the 25 GL water entitlement was made through the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

How to express your interest

Expressions of interest can be made by completing a form that can be found on our website and returning it to Southern Rural Water by 30 July 2025.

• You will need to provide evidence that you can access the water via a property you own, or that you have permission to use
• You may express interest in as much water as you like. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you can use the water

Farmers interested in purchasing an allocation must provide evidence they can access the water via a property they own, or a property they have permission to use. You do not need to have an existing licence to express your interest in this water.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com