Regional Victoria Land & Water Rules, by Council

Regional Victoria has far more Farming Zone land than metro Melbourne, so the case-by-case farm-shed exemption has real, substantial application in every council on this page (see the state-wide VIC article for the base rules). What varies most by council here is which regional rural water corporation administers dam and irrigation licensing. Looking for a Greater Melbourne council instead? See the Metro Melbourne land & water rules by council page.

City of Greater Bendigo

Bendigo sits within the Goulburn-Murray Water irrigation region, one of Victoria's largest rural water service areas, alongside Coliban Water for urban supply. Farming Zone land surrounding the built-up city has genuine access to the farm-shed exemption pathway.

Source: Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme; Goulburn-Murray Water service area information

Greater Shepparton City Council

Shepparton sits at the heart of the Goulburn-Murray Water irrigation district — one of the most significant irrigation areas in Australia, built around the Goulburn and Murray river systems. Water entitlements and delivery shares here are managed extensively through GMW's irrigation infrastructure, distinct from the domestic-and-stock rights that apply on non-irrigation land.

Source: Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme; Goulburn-Murray Water irrigation district information

Mitchell Shire Council

Mitchell Shire sits within the Goulburn-Murray Water region, with substantial Farming Zone and Rural Living land outside its Broadford/Kilmore growth areas, giving genuine access to the farm-shed exemption pathway.

Source: Mitchell Planning Scheme; Goulburn-Murray Water service area information

City of Ballarat

Ballarat's rural water licensing generally falls within the Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water or Southern Rural Water service areas depending on exact location. Farming Zone land beyond the established city area has genuine access to the farm-shed exemption.

Source: Ballarat Planning Scheme; Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water service area information

City of Greater Geelong

Geelong's urban water comes through Barwon Water, with rural dam and irrigation licensing generally administered by Southern Rural Water across the wider region. Genuine Farming Zone land exists outside Geelong's built-up suburbs, particularly toward the Bellarine and western districts.

Source: Greater Geelong Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

Golden Plains Shire Council

Golden Plains is one of the most rural councils in the Geelong region, with extensive Farming Zone land. Southern Rural Water generally administers rural water licensing here, and the farm-shed exemption has substantial real application given the Shire's low-density rural character.

Source: Golden Plains Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

Baw Baw Shire Council

Baw Baw sits within Gippsland, with rural water licensing generally administered by Southern Rural Water. Farming Zone land outside the Warragul/Drouin growth corridor has genuine access to the farm-shed exemption.

Source: Baw Baw Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

Latrobe City Council

Latrobe City sits within Gippsland, with rural water licensing generally administered by Southern Rural Water, alongside Gippsland Water for urban supply. Genuine Farming Zone land surrounds the Latrobe Valley townships, with real access to the farm-shed exemption pathway.

Source: Latrobe Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

Wellington Shire Council

Wellington Shire, in Gippsland, has extensive Farming Zone land supporting its significant agricultural and dairy industry. Rural water licensing generally falls to Southern Rural Water, and the farm-shed exemption has substantial real application across this rural Shire.

Source: Wellington Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

Warrnambool City Council

Warrnambool's urban water comes through Wannon Water, with rural dam and irrigation licensing in the surrounding district generally administered by Southern Rural Water. Farming Zone land beyond the city's built-up area has genuine access to the farm-shed exemption.

Source: Warrnambool Planning Scheme; Southern Rural Water service area information

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