Trading or changing pipeline allowances

Customers on GWMWater’s rural pipeline systems have fully tradable water allowances, registered individually with the Victorian Water Register. These can be traded temporarily or permanently, offering flexibility in managing water resources.

Customers can:

• Amalgamate or subdivide allowances
• Trade water permanently or temporarily

Water can be traded between your properties or other GWMWater rural pipeline customers directly or through Water Partners. If trading through Water Partners, please see availability and pricing listed on their website.

For key rules and conditions, refer to the application forms or contact us for a chat.

Water Partners 

Water Partners offers a secure, transparent, and easy-to-use platform that connects buyers and sellers of water allowances. It is an accredited platform by GWMWater and operates in line with our trading rules and the Victorian Water Register, ensuring confidence and compliance for all users.

Amalgamating a water allowance

Amalgamation of water allowances is the combining of two or more existing water allowances into a single entity.

• The allowances need to be held in common ownership or be associated to a single farming enterprise.
• Appropriate documents and proof of identity will be required when amalgamating water allowances not owned by the same person or entity.
• The amalgamated water allowance can only be attached to one GWMWater rural pipeline supply system.
• Approval is dependent on the capability of the pipeline system as determined by GWMWater's hydraulic model.

Download an   Application to Amalgamate a Water Allowance

Subdividing a water allowance

The subdivision of a water allowance splits a single water allowance into two or more water allowances.

• Water allowances can be made up of more than one land parcel.
• Water allowances must be connected to land with existing meters, or to land where an application to consent to connect with the rural supply system has been approved by GWMWater.
• The owner of the water allowance decides how the water will be subdivided and reallocated.
• Standard and Primary meters require at least 100 kL of standard allowance per meter.
• The Primary allowance of 730 kL will remain with the primary (house) meter.
• Sharing meters between land parcels isn't allowed.

Download an  Application to Subdivide a Water Allowance

Permanent and temporary trade of a water allowance

A permanent water trade transfers ownership of a water allowance on a permanent basis. A temporary water trade transfers ownership of a water allowance on a temporary basis for the remainder of that particular financial year.

• The minimum volume of water allowance able to be traded is 100 kL.
• The primary allowance of 730 kL isn't permitted to be traded and is vested with GWMWater.
• Water allowances can't be traded between the Grampians and Murray delivery systems.
• Approval is dependent on the capability of the pipeline system as determined by GWMWater's hydraulic model
• A minimum standard allowance of 100 kL is required to be connected to the pipeline system. If you want to permanently trade all of your standard allowance, you need to disconnect from the system at your own expense.
• The water rates associated with the seller’s water allowance must be paid before a trade being approved.

Download an  Application for Permanent Trade of Water Allowance

Download an  Application for Temporary Trade of Water Allowance