Victorian government seeks input on Goulburn River trade rules

Read more: Variable summer flows in bid to protect the Goulburn

Water Minister Lisa Neville has opened community consultation on the trade rules governing water transfers from the Goulburn River to the Murray Valley.

"We're making sure the lower Goulburn River is sustainably managed to protect its environment and the social, cultural and economic value it provides for local communities," Ms Neville said.

"I encourage the community to tell us what matters to them, and how changes to the Goulburn to Murray trade rule will affect the way they use and access water."

A recent review identified current rules were not protecting the lower Goulburn River and do not provide a fair system for all water users to trade water.

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Expert advice noted that unseasonably high flows in the lower Goulburn River was causing environmental damage, destroying vegetation, river banks and fish habitat.

The changes are scheduled to be brought in later this year.

The government also brought all inter-valley trades from the Goulburn system, in line with Murray-Darling Basin Plan trading rules.

Yea beef producer Jan Beer said while it was a start, and better late than never, for the time being, the horse had bolted.

"Entitlements have been bought and paid for, so how can they not be honoured?" Ms Beer said.

"Ms Neville's action in reviewing the current rules to protect the Goulburn clearly shows that the Basin Plan and water trading rules are not functioning as intended and causing irreparable environmental and economic damage."

Face to face public consultation will begin this month and will run until Wednesday, April 22.

The proposed trade rule options can also be viewed at engage.vic.gov.au.