PEOPLE in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges will be able to lodge applications to trade groundwater and surface water allocations across the EMLR Prescribed Water Resources Area from July 1.
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board presiding member Sharon Starick said opening water trading in the EMLR could benefit farmers and irrigators who are existing water licence holders and people seeking water licenses in that area.
“Trading arrangements could benefit farmers who may go over their water allocation in the water use year, and allow others who are not currently using their full water allocation to sell or lease some or all of their water,” Mrs Starick said.
“It will also enable businesses that do not have enough water now or for future growth to have access to water.
“There is also opportunity for landholders that do not have a water licence but want to obtain a water allocation for their property to gain this through trade.”
Limitations on new allocations – with the exception of traded allocations – and new dam capacity will remain in place, while programs to secure low flows and monitor areas of high water demand continue.
Trade of water allocation is a private arrangement between the buyer and the seller, subject to approvals through the water licensing process and compliance with the principles of the EMLR Water Allocation Plan.
A water broker may be used to facilitate the trade.
For more information on water licensing, allocations and water trading please contact DEWNR’s Berri Office on 08 8595 2053.
