A groundwater management area (GMA) is an area where there is already significant groundwater use or potential for further use. GMAs ensure the use is fair and equitable for all and is suitable for managing the resource into the future.

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is responsible for managing groundwater in its area, which includes the Lower Loddon Plains catchment area. This is usually through the development of a Local Management Plan (LMP), which establishes appropriate limits and rules around use. This helps ensure that groundwater resources are managed appropriately and fairly for all licence holders and helps to protect the environment and resource sustainability.

The proposed Lower Loddon Plains GMA will extend from Nyah/Nyah West in the north to south of Boort, and from Quambatook to Cohuna. It will include townships of Woorinen, Swan Hill, Lake Boga, Kerang, Boort and Pyramid Hill, and will cover all major aquifers in the region.

There is an increasing interest in large-scale groundwater access in the region, particularly around irrigation and mining applications. The region also already has a high salinity level, which needs careful consideration to protect nearby catchments from increasing salinity.

Developing a GMA and LMP will help manage these emerging issues.

A map of this region is available under the 'Document Library' tab on this page.

The plan will not directly impact on existing groundwater users but will explain expectations for new applicants and those looking to increase their existing entitlements.

The plan will outline groundwater monitoring and water sharing arrangements which may apply during times of water shortage.

The risk of impacts to groundwater pumping on surface water, groundwater dependent ecosystems and groundwater quality will be considered during the plan development.

The plan will communicate expectations to applicants to address these issues.

Feedback from existing groundwater users, stakeholders and community members will be an important part of developing the GMA and LMP. GMW will be directly engaging with customers in the area as well as stakeholders from March 2026.

The draft Lower Loddon Plains Groundwater Management Area and Local Management Plan will be published in mid-late 2026 on yoursay.gmwater.com.au and people will be invited to share their feedback before the GMA and LMP are finalised.