Advice has been received from the Department of Sustainability and Environment of a change to the approval process for dams in the State of Victoria.  The change applies to the rural living zone, green wedge zone or any residential zone as defined by Victoria's Planning Schemes or any property (in any zone) that is eight hectares (20 acres) or smaller.

Under new Water Act regulations effective from 1 January 2011, any new and altered stock and aesthetic dams in the above zones or lot size criteria must be registered with the local rural water corporation. 

Any questions should be directed to your relevant local water corporation. Bass Coast has two such water authorities:

South Gippsland Water - (03) 5682 0444
Westernport Water - 1300 720 711 or (03) 5956 4100

Further information relating to the new regulations for household dams is also available from the Our Water Our Future website or your local rural water corporation.

There have been no changes to planning permit requirements for dams. 

If you are considering installing a dam on your property and are unsure if you require a planning permit from Council, please contact Council's Planning Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) for assistance.