Who: Southern Rural Water, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

Timeframe: As needed.

Existing operating arrangements for Gippsland’s surface water and groundwater systems will be formalised as local management plans.

Local management plans will be developed and reviewed in accordance with the Minister’s Policies for Managing Section 51 Take and Use Licences.

Rural water corporations will consult stakeholders during the development and amendment of local management plans, particularly when the proposed plan will affect the issue, renewal or transfer of licences and groundwater carryover.

In developing local management plans, water corporations in close consultation with water users and catchment management authorities, will seek to explore opportunities to develop operating rules that, where practical, deliver multiple benefits to consumptive users and the environment.

When revised local management plans are prepared, interactions between surface and groundwater resources will be considered.