Swan Hill irrigator fined for water theft

By Geoff Adams

Nov 25, 2020

A 57-year-old orchardist has been convicted of using water in excess of his allocation and fined $3500 plus costs in Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court.

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The man pleaded guilty on November 19 to taking water without the consent of Goulburn-Murray Water after using water in excess of his allocation under his water share.

The Swan Hill irrigator received a $3500 fine and was ordered to pay $1553.45 in costs for taking water on multiple occasions in 2019 and 2020.

The magistrate commented that it was improper to use G-MW as a personal bank.

G-MW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said water theft impacted all users of the delivery system who were paying their fair share.

“We take a zero tolerance approach to water theft and will not hesitate to prosecute customers who take water without consent,” Mr Blyth said.

“This is a timely reminder that it’s illegal to take and use more water than allowed under your entitlement.

“It is a customer’s responsibility to keep a positive balance in their water allocation bank account.”

The Water Act 1989 was amended in October 2019 to provide for greater deterrence against water theft by strengthening penalties and giving water corporations powers to issue fines and suspend or cancel licences.

By Geoff Adams

Shepparton News assistant editor