Latrobe Valley licence applications

The current licences for Engie Pty Ltd and Energy Australia Pty Ltd expire on 31 August 2025. A decision may depend on the number of submissions, and the timing of responses received from referral agencies, however we hope to have a decision before 31 August 2025.  As the purpose of pumping is for safety and stability of the mine voids, which affects safety of surrounding features such as the Princess Highway, adjacent urban areas, Morwell River and Latrobe River, if the renewal of licences cannot be completed before the current expiry date, pumping under the existing licence conditions is likely to continue until the evaluation, appeals and approval process is finalised. 

Yes. Anyone whose interests may be affected by the decision can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal for a review of Southern Rural Water’s decision. An application for review must be made to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal, in writing, within 28 days of the decision being made. 

Applicants often contact us before they submit formal applications and we provide them with guidance on the process, our duties under the Water Act 1989, what’s required of them and indicative timelines, so expectations are clear and there are no surprises. This is known as the pre-application stage. 
Once we receive an application and the assessment fee, we will complete an initial review to ensure an applicant has correctly completed the form and submitted all the required information for Southern Rural Water for the application to proceed.   

For groundwater licences, we typically require a hydrogeological report that includes an impact assessment on other groundwater users, the impacts on waterways, aquifers and the environment. We also require a water use plan detailing how the groundwater will be used. 

When we’ve deemed the applicant has provided all relevant technical information, we’ll then advertise the application,  and refer the application to other local agencies and government departments and invite stakeholders and the community to provide a submission in response to the application.   

The community and agencies have a minimum of 28 days to provide a submission. In this case, Southern Rural Water will then thoroughly review and consider all the application information, including the submissions before deciding on the application. 

Southern Rural Water will work to complete the assessment and make a decision before the expiry of the licence. However, it is difficult to determine the length of the overall process as the time it takes to obtain all the required information, and this can vary based on several factors. 

When we issue a decision outcome, it will include a statement of reasons about our decision, including any associated licence conditions. No matter what we decide, anyone whose interests may be affected by the decision can lodge an appeal to VCAT within 28 days of the decision being made. 

At a base level, an applicant must provide the volume of water they are applying for, the water source, details of the land on which they plan to take and use the water, together with proof of ownership, details of the intended use of water, including application rates, together with bore location details such as location, depth and diameter.   

In addition, and dependent on the application request, a hydrogeological assessment that explores the potential impacts and risk of the water extraction on the groundwater resource, waterways, surrounding environment and other groundwater users. The level of detail required as part of these assessments is directly related to the complexity of the application.  
 

We have appointed a project manager, who will be supported by the wider Southern Rural Water team, to lead on this application. This is important as it will ensure there is a dedicated resource overseeing all aspects of the process to ensure that this significant application is given the appropriate level of focus.   

This oversight also provides additional level of independence. We understand that this application is important in the broader context of mine rehabilitation. 

Under the Water Act 1989 Southern Rural Water is required to refer the application to relevant agencies with an interest in specific aspects of the application ranging from water quality, catchment and riparian health to community and cultural interests.

The referral agencies for this application are: The Environment Protection Authority, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Earth Resources Regulation, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Wellington Shire Council, Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and Gippsland Water.
 

Yes. Anyone whose interests may be affected by the decision can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal for a review of Southern Rural Water’s decision. An application for review must be made to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal, in writing, within 28 days of the decision being made.