Alcoa seeks to amend the existing Groundwater Licence from 4,000 megalitres a year down to 1,500 megalitres a year for a period of 10 years.
Southern Rural Water is responsible for regulating groundwater in Southern Victoria under the Water Act 1989 and is required to consult the community on significant applications under its delegated duties.
The public consultation period opens today and will remain open until Friday 11 July at 5pm.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald encouraged interested parties to visit their website to access application information, supporting documents, information about the application determination process and directions on how to make a submission.
“We understand that this application is important – not just for community – but also in the broader context of mine rehabilitation,” he said.
Mr FitzGerald said Alcoa’s groundwater application will be assessed under a rigorous and transparent process.
“In parallel to a technical assessment and independent expert advice, Southern Rural Water is also required to consider and give weight to issues raised by local communities and other interested parties as they relate to section 40 matters within the Water Act 1989,” he said.
Southern Rural Water will hold drop-in sessions during the consultation period at the Anglesea Bowls Club, on Thursday 12 June between 12pm – 2:30pm, and 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
“Public consultation is an important part of this application, and the community is invited to come to our drop-in session if they would like to talk with our expert team about the process,” he said.
Anyone who makes a submission will be invited to attend an online submission hearing in mid-August 2025 and can speak to their submission in front of an independent hearings panel.
For more information, visit our Alcoa webpage.