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Distributing the irrigators’ share

The irrigators’ share is the component of water recovered through the Connections Project that the Victorian Government committed to provide to irrigators in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID).

In line with recommendations of the Irrigators’ Share Consultative Committee, the irrigators’ share has been distributed directly to GMID delivery-share holders, proportionate their holdings of delivery share.

Who has received a benefit?

On 1 October 2021, information on delivery share ownership was taken from the Victorian Water Register. Anyone who held delivery share in any of the six areas of the GMID on this date and charged the common infrastructure access fee, was an eligible recipient of the irrigators share.

Between October 2021 and August 2022, 77 gigalitres of Connections Project water was successfully distributed to eligible recipients of the irrigators’ share. This was distributed as either water shares (for those who held 0.25 ML per day or more of delivery share at census date) or financial benefits (for those who held less than 0.25 ML per day of delivery share).

All eligible recipients of the irrigators’ share also received a bill credit on their 2023/24 GMW fixed charge account, as the final element of the distribution. This bill credit was proportionate to holdings of delivery share on census date (1 October 2021) and comprised of approximately $3.9m in funds, alongside any interest accrued.

Project close out

GMW and DEECA are now preparing to formally close out the ISD project.

A very small portion of the original 77GL irrigators share remains unissued – from a total of over 13,000 eligible GMID delivery-share holders, as at August 2023 approximately 30 individuals are yet to receive a benefit.

Since November 2020, GMW has been working with customers to ensure account details are in order and required paperwork has been completed to enable issuing of ISD benefits. These customers have until 1 May 2024 to take the required action/s to claim their benefit. Any remaining ISD benefits unclaimed by 30 June 2024 will be relinquished – unclaimed water shares will be surrendered to the consumptive pool, and unclaimed financial benefits will be transferred to the State Revenue Office.

The 1 May 2024 deadline has been set to give remaining customers reasonable time to act, balanced with the need to close out the process.

Irrigators' Share Consultative Committee

If you want to know more, visit Engage Victoria's Distributing the Irrigators' Share for information, including:

  • the committee members
  • the community consultation process
  • the full recommendation report
  • other information about the recommendations.

Connections Project

Visit GMW Connections Project to find general information about:

  • what modernisation works have been undertaken
  • the steps underway to complete the water recovery.

The amount of water recovered through the Connections Project is confirmed yearly while works are underway through independent audits. You can also find the results of the previous audit.

Water Register

You can find out how much GMID delivery share you hold by looking up your details in the water register. The register also explains how to update your information.

Additional information

Is the Irrigators’ Share Distribution complete?

Yes. The Victorian government has now delivered 77.681 GL in water shares and financial benefits, worth a total of over $300m to GMID irrigators since 1 October 2021. The final element of the financial distribution was delivered via GMW’s 2023/24 fixed charges accounts in August 2023. This approach offered the most practical and efficient solution for customers.

Will there be any further financial benefits available through the Irrigators’ Share Distribution?

No. The Irrigators’ Share Distribution project will formally conclude following the final distribution of financial benefits to eligible recipients via GMW’s 2023/24 fixed charges accounts in August 2023.

What do I need to do to get my ISD benefit?

GMW will write to all eligible delivery share holders who have not yet received their ISD benefit detailing what is required to be completed to be able to issue them with their benefit. You can contact the Irrigators’ Share Distribution project team at GMW to discuss this in more detail.

What happens if my account details are not updated and required paperwork has been completed by 30 June 2024?

Any remaining ISD benefits unclaimed by 30 June 2024 will be relinquished – unclaimed water shares will be surrendered to the consumptive pool, benefitting all Goulburn-Murray entitlement holders, and unclaimed financial benefits will be transferred to the State Revenue Office.

Further information

Factsheets and additional information

Contact us

For questions around your delivery share holdings or customer details, contact Irrigators’ Share Distribution project team at GMW.

If you have any questions or would like further information, you can contact the Irrigators’ Share Distribution project team at DEECA.

Page last updated: 21/09/23