Group spokesperson, Cameron Reid said the fees were approved by the Essential Services Commission (ESC) and this is only the second time the ESC has faced a legal challenge to its pricing decisions from consumers.
Its the first time a challenge has proceeded to a full VCAT hearing as the applicants, representing more than 2,000 small domestic and stock customers across the region, argue that they have been charged for services that do not exist.
They rely on unregulated waterways, creeks and springs with no GMW-operated dams or infrastructure, and yet their annual water fees almost doubled between 2015 and 2020.
Mr Reid said this had been compounded by rises in licence renewal fees from $700 in 2023-24 to about $1,100 in 2027-28.
“Year after year, fees had increased far beyond inflation, for no service, no infrastructure, and no benefit,” he said.
“For most of us, water comes from small local creeks.
“We maintain our own pumps, pipes, and filtration; GMW provides no service beyond enforcing compliance fees, yet continues to charge as if it does.”
The group has been advocating for fair treatment since 2018, forming a collective known as GMW Concerns after previous attempts to hold the regulator accountable by an earlier group failed.
They sayd the hearing will focus on three specific errors of fact the applicants argue were relied upon in setting charges.
Beyond the numbers, the group emphasises the broader issue: recognition and fairness for small rural customers is often overlooked because of their relatively low revenue contribution and dispersed existence.
“We are not asking for special treatment,” Mr Reid said.
“We are simply asking that the fees applied to us relate to services we actually receive.
“This is about fairness, trust, and respect for small, rural Victorians who have been left out of the system.”
The applicants acknowledge the important work GMW does for large irrigation customers but stressed that the business model did not extend to small unregulated water users.
They are calling for clearer accountability, independent regulation, and a fee structure that reflects reality.
