Farmers, Traditional Owners and the environment will see the benefits flow from the reallocation of a water entitlement in the Latrobe Valley.
16 billion litres of water per year previously set aside for power generation through the 3-4 Bench bulk water entitlement have now been reallocated.
The reallocation will see Southern Rural Water make more water available to farmers in Gippsland.
Agriculture already supports thousands of jobs in Gippsland and the availability of more water licences will help boost the sector, providing farmers with more important water resources to grow their operations.
The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation will have access to additional water for cultural uses. The allocation recognises the Gunaikurnai People’s connection to Country and right to self-determination.
The reallocation will also allow for more water for the environment to flow down the Latrobe River.
The additional flows will play an important role in improving the health of the river and provide benefits for the Ramsar-listed Gippsland Lakes downstream.
The commitment to reallocate 16 gigalitres of the 25 gigalitre 3-4 Bench water entitlement was made through the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
The remaining 9 gigalitres of the entitlement will be retained to respond to emerging needs in the region.
Page last updated: 17/04/25