Access to Surface Water

The Victorian Government manages the allocation of water resources across the state in accordance with the Water Act 1989. It uses the Water Allocation Framework to strike a balance between demands for water for consumption, the environment and other non-consumptive uses. DSEs Our Water Our Future website provides a range of information on water allocation and trading (external link) and reform of water entitlements (external link). Rights to Surface Water The Water Act 1989 (external link) details various rights and responsibilities to water of the Crown, Water Authorities and individual water users. The Victorian Water Allocation Framework (external link) provides the basis for the way both groundwater and surface water are allocated and licensed. Information is provided on DSEs The Water Market The Water Act 1989 (external link) details various rights and responsibilities to water of the Crown, Water Authorities and individual water users. Farm Dam Construction Requirements Constructing dams, weirs and erosion control structures on private land imposes legal obligations and liabilities for dam safety. Where appropriate, the protection of fish passage and aquatic habitat is also required.

Private diverters operate their own pumps directly from rivers. River Murray near Robinvale, 1990 Photo: Mal Brown

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