Victorian residents wanting to build new household dams in areas located on the rural-urban fringe will be allowed a two-month grace period to register starting from January 1.

Minister for Water Peter Walsh said the regulations were rushed through in the last days of the Brumby Government. “The new requirements apply only to aesthetic, domestic and stock dams constructed in rural residential areas or on properties which are eight hectares or smaller,” Walsh said. “The new requirements do not apply to existing stock and domestic dams.”

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Walsh said the new requirements would typically affect small lifestyle properties in rural living zones or green wedge zones.

“It is important, particularly in water-stressed catchments, that authorities know when new household dams are being constructed so they can account for water that will no longer flow for downstream use,” he said.

Many people were unaware the new regulations came into force on New Year’s Day because they were rushed through by the former government.

“A sense of fair play dictates that affected landowners should be made aware of the new rules prior to those rules taking effect,” Walsh added.

“I have asked water corporations to wait until March 1, 2011 before mandatory registration programs are put in place. "

“The extra time will allow property owners, councils and water corporations to be fully informed about the requirements.”

Walsh said property owners in rural residential areas were still encouraged to register their new household dams over the grace period. “Those living in rural residential areas who wish to construct household dams are encouraged to consult their local rural water corporation for advice on the new requirements,” he said.

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