The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and WaterNSW have announced changes to the way trade applications will be processed for trades through the Barmah Choke from July 1.
The departments say the reason for these changes is to create a more equal and unified experience for customers from both states.
The states have agreed to process trades one at a time on an alternating basis.
On July 1, Victoria will process the first trade through the Barmah Choke, followed by a subsequent trade from NSW.
Trades will be processed on an alternating basis until there is no remaining trade balance.
If a trade application is refused, the lodging state will process additional application(s) until one is approved or no trade opportunity remains.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will oversee this process to ensure it is conducted equitably.
Customers will experience no change to how they apply via each state’s process, but access to the available trade opportunity will be more equal between the two states, DEECA said.
It said this new protocol means that differences in each state’s processing approach and IT systems will no longer be a factor influencing each state’s success in accessing the available Barmah Choke trade opportunity.
More information, including application opening times and volumes for Barmah Choke as well as for Goulburn to Murray, Broken Trade Out Limit and NSW to Victoria Trade Limit, will be announced in the lead up to the July 1 trade openings.
For more information about the new protocol and to learn more about what it means for you, go to: https://www.waterregister.vic.gov.au/images/documents/FINAL_Barmah_Choke_Protocol_and_FAQ.pdf
If you have any questions, you can also email: waterregister.support@delwp.vic.gov.au
New FAQs about trade openings
DEECA says Victoria is preparing for key southern-connected Murray-Darling Basin trade opening events for the 2024-25 water year and is committed to ensuring market participants have better access to trade opportunity during these events.
As part of this preparation, DEECA has prepared a new frequently asked questions (FAQs) document to provide important information for MyWater and the Broker Portal users about applying during trade openings.
This FAQ document responds to queries received during the 2023-24 water year, providing information for all water market participants.
You can find it at: https://www.waterregister.vic.gov.au/images/documents/FINAL_MyWater_and_Broker_Portal_FAQ.pdf
You can also find information about trade opening events on the Victorian Water Register website.
And for more information on Barmah Choke trading, visit the MDBA website.