Works on waterways
Waterway information and advice
The CMA is committed to protecting and enhancing waterway health. The conduct of works on or near a designated waterway require a licence from the CMA.
We provide the community with waterway information and advice. This may relate to the conduct of proposed works or processes that may affect waterway health.
Files to have on hand prior to filling out application form:
- Photos of the site (including view of the waterway at the proposed works location as well as upstream and downstream views).
- Aerial plan indicating location of works.
- Construction plans and drawings including a cross section of the waterway, an overhead plan (detailing rock work etc) and a side elevation view. Neat sketches will suffice for most farm/minor crossings/works.
- Crown land consent (if works are on crown land).
- Process list generated upon completion of the Aboriginal Heritage Planning Tool – https://heritage.achris.vic.gov.au/aavQuestion1.aspx
- Evidence of concession (if applicable).
PLEASE NOTE: Our offices will be closed from 4:30pm on Friday 20 December 2024 and reopen at 9am on Monday 6 January 2025.
Apply for a Works on Waterways Licence
Please note there is a standard 25 working day turnaround for issue of a Works on Waterways Licence.
If you do not receive a receipt once you have completed the form please contact us on 03 5571 2526 or email planning@ghcma.vic.gov.au.
Get Waterway advice
If you do not receive a receipt once you have completed the form please contact us on 03 5571 2526 or email planning@ghcma.vic.gov.au.
Additional Information
How much does it cost?
Base fee for Licence: $300.00 inc. GST
Base fee for Waterway Advice: $180.00 inc. GST
Concession available: 15% off
Additional fees
- Licence renewal: $300.00 inc. GST
- Complex application: $240.00 inc. GST
- On site assessment/meeting request: $240.00 inc. GST
- Priority Response Request (please contact us to confirm if available): $240.00 inc. GST
FAQs
Do I need a licence?
The CMA is Waterway Manager for this region and has the following functions:
- Protecting and enhancing waterway health
- Designation of waterways
- Managing and issuing licences for certain works or activities on a designated waterway
Works and activities on or near a designated waterway require a licence from the CMA. Works and activities can include:
- Building a crossing – culverts, bridge or ford
- Connecting to a waterway by pipe or drain
- Building a jetty
- Cleaning out the waterway – removing weeds and silt
Approval is required by law under section 67 of the Water Act 1989. Failure to obtain approval is a breach of the Water Act 1989 and penalties can be applied.
Works undertaken without approval will be required to obtain approval in retrospect with an additional complex application fee applied (a total of $540).
Dams and rural water use are licensed through Southern Rural Water in our region.
Water quality issues including pollution of a waterway are reportable to the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria.
What is a designated waterway?
Designated waterways are declared by the CMA through publicly gazetted processes. This process was undertaken by Glenelg Hopkins CMA in 2001.
Designated waterway mapping
To find out whether you have a designated waterway on your property please see the hardcopy maps
Are there other approvals I also need to obtain before commencing works?
Yes there may be other approvals required. Please refer to the Works on Waterways Guidance note.
How long until I receive the advice or licence?
A response will be supplied to you within 25 working days of receipt of payment for service
Contact information
Who can I contact with questions?
Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Statutory Water Group
A: PO Box 502 Hamilton Vic 3300
T: 03 5571 2526
F: 03 5571 2935
E: planning@ghcma.vic.gov.au
How can I submit the Waterways Licence or Advice Application form?
E: planning@ghcma.vic.gov.au
M: PO Box 502 Hamilton VIC 3300
In person: 79 French Street Hamilton VIC 3300
Related information
Floodplain Management
As the region’s Floodplain Management Authority, we aim to maintain the natural functions of floodplains and waterways and minimise the risks flooding poses to life, property and community assets. This is separate to our waterways manager role.
Works Issue Notification
If you are concerned about and would like to report potential works undertaken on a designated waterway without a Works on Waterways Licence, please complete the notification form below and forward to the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
Data Request
Waterways and flood modelling files are available from the CMA. This is a fee for service product. If you would like to request a copy of flood modelling files or other forms of data from the CMA, please complete the Data Request Form to lodge your request.
Rural Drainage Strategy
The 2018 Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy clarifies arrangements for management of Rural Drainage in Victoria. Click the link below for more information.
