Farmer fined for ‘taking’ 1.7 million litres

A Ceres farmer who took 1.7 million litres of water from the Barwon River without approval must pay a fine and court costs of $4750.
Frank Battaglia, of Crookes Road, appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court this week charged with taking water without consent.
The court heard Battaglia took the water in an area subject to a total ban on irrigation.
A Southern Rural Water officer found evidence of irrigation while inspecting Battaglia’s property in February.
The officer later discovered Battaglia’s meter showed he had taken 1.7Ml during the irrigation ban, the court heard.
Battaglia pleaded guilty.
Southern Rural Water’s Craig Parker said the case was a “timely reminder” for farmers.
“We understand they are difficult but a total ban is our last course of action when waterways are severely depleted,” he said.
“This was only the second time Southern Rural Water’s history that the Barwon River had stopped flowing completely.
“We need to ensure that what little water remains in the river stays available to the environment.”
Mr Parker said Southern Rural Water encouraged the public to report breaches of water restrictions.
Another total ban was operating on the river, he said.