How to make your own submission to Southern Rural Water

Alcoa is seeking to extract 1,500 megalitres of groundwater annually for mine rehabilitation in Anglesea. You can help protect the Anglesea River and its community and environmental values by making a short written submission.

Key Facts:

  • The application is made under Section 40 of the *Water Act 1989 (Vic)

  • Submissions are due by 5pm, Friday, 11 July 2025

  • You don’t need to be an expert — personal stories and concerns are powerful.

  • You can reference our petition for notes on the impacts of Alcoa’s proposal.

Step-by-step guide to writing your submission ✐

Step-by-step guide to writing your submission ✐

Step 1: Start with the submission guideline
(see below)

Start with the flexible submission template provided below (you can copy it into Word, email, or a submission form).


Step 2: Personalise your submission

Here are the parts you can tailor:

1. Introduce Yourself

Write 1–2 sentences about:

  • Where you live or your connection to Anglesea

  • How often you visit or use the Anglesea River

Example: “I’ve lived in the Surf Coast Shire for over 10 years and regularly walk along the Anglesea River. It’s a vital part of my daily wellbeing and our local identity.”

2. Describe how you use or value the Anglesea River


Include any activities that matter to you:

  • Fishing

  • Swimming or kayaking

  • Walking, jogging, or cycling

  • Birdwatching

  • Time with family and friends

  • Nature and mental wellbeing

  • Childhood or cultural memories

  • Business operations or relations

You can mention any changes you've seen (like low flow, poor water quality).

3. Explain your concerns

You don’t need technical detail. Just share why you’re concerned. For example:

  • Will it harm the river's health or local wildlife?

  • Will it reduce your enjoyment of the river?

  • Are you worried about private companies using public water?

Step 3: Submit your letter

There is no specific submission form. 

A submission may take any written format you wish and submitted via email or post to:

Alisha Clark 
Manager Water Licensing  
srw@srw.com.au

PO Box 153  
Maffra 3860  


Please quote reference: AC 1818772 

Deadline: 5pm, Friday, 11 July 2025

Tips

  • Keep it polite and respectful.

  • Your submission doesn’t need to be long — even 1-2 sentences is enough.

  • Group or family submissions are welcome.

  • If you are a worker or business owner you might include how you use the river and how changes to the river could impact your livelihood.

  • Ask friends, neighbours, or local groups to submit too.

Submission guideline✐

(Suggestion only)

I (insert full name) am writing to Southern Rural Water to express my opposition to Alcoa’s application to amend its groundwater pumping license. 

I am (insert your relationship e.g. member of the local Anglesea community / have visited Anglesea every summer / concerned individual) and a user of the Anglesea River and surrounding environment. 

(Insert a sentence or two about your connection to and use of the Anglesea River and the surrounding environment e.g. my kids learnt to swim in the river / we enjoy jumping off the bridges / regular paddling / fishing / birdwatching / etc. If you are a business owner you might include how you use the river and how changes to the surrounding environment would impact your livelihood.)

I am very concerned that Alcoa’s proposal will impact on my use and experience of the Anglesea River and express my opposition to Alcoa’s application. 

[Your Name]

Any Questions?

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