High Rock Nominees Pty Ltd contests charge of taking water from Murray River at Mildura

A Mildura business insists it “can’t lose” a court case involving a charge of taking Murray River water if more documents are made available.

A business is accused of taking water from the Murray River at Mildura without authorisation.

A Mildura fruit growing business facing a charge of taking water without authorisation “can’t lose” if further information is tabled in court, its lawyer says.

High Rock Nominees Pty Ltd appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a contest mention.

High Rock Nominees is contesting a charge of taking 153.47ML from the Murray River without authorisation under a water share.

The charge relates to a Ranfurly Way, Mildura property between on or about November 30 in 2018 and April 19 in 2019.

A lawyer for High Rock Nominees said his client requested the matter move to a contested hearing.

The lawyer said there had been differences between Lower Murray Water and his client about the amount of water used.

He said his client might also have a case for riparian rights and that there was a failure to properly negotiate.

High Rock Nominees is requesting copies of all licences, schedules and conditions.

“If we have that detail, there is nothing Lower Murray Water can do … we can’t lose,” the lawyer told the court.

Lower Murray Water representative Marcus Heath said a full brief of evidence could be provided within 28 days.

Mr Heath said there were matters of legal and factual dispute.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan adjourned the matter to a further contest mention on March 30.