Expressions of interest closed for groundwater in south west Victoria’s deep aquifers
Introduction
Expressions of interest closed at 4pm Friday 2 May 2025 for securing groundwater in Lower Tertiary Aquifers (the Dilwyn Formation and deeper aquifers) within the boundary of the Warrnambool Zone and Dilwyn Formation (Lower Tertiary Aquifer) Paaratte Groundwater Management Area (GMA).
We are undertaking an assessment of interest and will determine the process to apportion entitlement in an equitable manner. This may be via water auction, a tender process, or an alternate method. We will provide more information when it’s available.
Warrnambool Zone
The total allocation available is 5,000 megalitres. Please note this aquifer is generally deeper than 400 metres below the surface, and it would require substantial time and financial investment to secure all relevant licences and install a bore to access this groundwater.
The boundary of the Warrnambool Zone is shown in the map. To be eligible you must own or occupy property within this boundary. If you are unsure if your property is within the boundary, please contact us and we can make an assessment.
Read our Warrnambool technical information sheet for details on boundaries, approximate depth to the top of the aquifer, and potential yield and salinity.
Paaratte GMA
The total allocation available is 1,400 megalitres. Please note this aquifer is generally deeper than 400 metres below the surface, and it would require substantial time and financial investment to secure all relevant licences and install a bore to access this groundwater.
The boundary of the Paaratte GMA is shown in the map. To be eligible you must own or occupy property within this boundary. If you are unsure if your property is within the boundary, please contact us and we can make an assessment.

Read our Paaratte technical information sheet for details on boundaries, approximate depth to the top of the aquifer, and potential yield and salinity.
FAQS
- What water is available?
- How deep is the aquifer?
- How do I express an interest in securing groundwater?
- Who can participate in this expression of interest process?
- Can I submit an expression of interest for water in both areas?
- What happens after the expression of interest process?
- When will you be auctioning or allocating water?
- How soon can I access water if I successfully secured it through auction or allocation?
- What technical information is required to support an application?
- How much will this water cost?
- What is the process moving forward?
- Do I have to pay anything now?