Project Name:
Implications of Farm Dams Legislation on the Contruction of New Re-Use Dams
Client:
Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority
Project Description:
Hydro Environmental was engaged by Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority (G-MW) to develop a common, practicable and accepted understanding of the application of the amendments to the Water Act 1989, on the construction of new farm dams within Irrigation Districts in northern Victoria.
The project involved identifying current areas of uncertainty and issues relating to the amendments to the Water Act 1989, gaining a full appreciation of the legislative changes and developing strategies to enable the practical implementation of the legislation by G-MW.
Hydro Environmental worked closely with G-MW, the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority and DSE, in undertaking the project.
Key outputs from the project included the preparation of “Guidelines to Address Key Issues relating to the Construction of New Farm Dams within Irrigation Districts in the Loddon-Murray and Shepparton Irrigation Regions” and the preparation of a “Summary Report”. The detailed document also includes worked examples to further aid understanding. While the project currently addresses the specific needs of G-MW, it is expected that principles developed will be used as the basis for developing similar management documents for other Victorian Water Authorities.
Key Skills Applied:
Water regulating framework, water planning and management, irrigation practices, strong understanding of victorian water resource policy and legislation, understanding of irrigation networks, consultation, workshop facilitation and on-farm re-use processes.