A crown land water frontage is any strip of crown land that runs alongside designated rivers and streams. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is responsible for the management of these water frontages unless it has issued a licence to someone, in which case the licensee is responsible.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) may issue a licence for agricultural use over a crown water frontage to the owner/occupier of the adjoining private land for activities such as grazing, the growing of crops and planting native vegetation: see also Chapter 5 Crops and other produce . Licences for agricultural use can be issued for five years and licence fees are applicable.

Members of the public have the right to enter a crown land water frontage for passive recreational purposes such as walking, fishing or birdwatching. However, you are not allowed to camp, light fires or carry firearms on the land. A stile or unlocked gate must be provided at any fence that crosses the frontage to allow pedestrian access. However, you are strongly advised to contact the landholder/licensee before going on to the land.

To view a webpage containing a factsheet on this topic go to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries website - www.dpi.vic.gov.au.