Sale of Water Allocation

Frequently Asked Questions

Bid Form Technical Issues

Q. I’m having trouble opening up the online bid form. What can I do?

A: To complete the form, you need Adobe Reader software installed on your computer. Users who don’t have the software will be prompted to download the software from the Adobe website (free of charge).

If you use a Mac computer or a web browser other than Internet Explorer, extra steps maybe required including:

  1. downloading the form and saving it onto your computer and
  2. opening the form using Adobe Reader software.

For further information, refer to the Guidance for downloading a Bid Form available at

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/cewo/trade/current-trading-actions

If you would like further assistance, contact the Department on 1800803772.

Q. Do I need to complete and submit the form at the same time?

A: No. After you download the form, the partially completed form can be saved to your computer. It can then be opened, completed and submitted at a later date. The form includes a ‘validate’ function that allows bidders to check whether their bid is complete at any time before submitting their bid.

Q. Can I share the form?

A: A new form must be downloaded for each bid. Each form has a unique identifier code and can only be submitted once. If you want to submit more than one bid, you need to download a new bid form for each bid. A bid form can be emailed between people jointly preparing a bid, but each form can only be submitted once by one authorised person.

Q. I don’t have access to the internet and can’t access the online bid form

A: Electronic bids are preferred. If you do not have access to the Internet and cannot access the online bid form, contact the CEWO on 1800 803 772 allowing sufficient time, before the tender closes at 3 pm Wednesday 28 October 2015 (AEDT) to make alternative arrangements. If you have made alternative arrangements with the Department, your bid must still be received by the Department before the tender closes.

Q. Why do I have to provide Evidence of Authority with my bid?

A: The CEWO requires that people submitting bids are properly authorised to do so.

The CEWO requires that all bids are complete, including, if applicable, evidence that the person submitting the bid is authorised to do so on behalf of other allocation account holders.

Q. Why do I have to upload a trade form?

A: If your bid is successful, the CEWO will issue an invoice and, once payment is received, submit a trade form to transfer water to your allocation account. If requested, submitting a trade form with the bid will ensure that the CEWO can process trades in a timely manner.

Depending on which trading zone your allocation account is in, the bid form will direct you to the required trade form.

Q. When I enter my ABN, an error appears in the ‘Legal name’ field. How can I fix this?

A: The smart form automatically completes the ‘Legal name’ field when you enter a valid ABN number. Occasionally, this function displays an error message rather than the correct entity name. If you have checked the ABN number and an error still appears, you can submit the form and the CEWO will assess your bid, provided all other required information is complete.

Q. Why do I get error messages when I submit the form?

A: When you submit your bid, the smart form performs checks to ensure your bid is complete and no information is missing. If you have not completed all of the information required, you will see a list of outstanding items. Click on the item to navigate quickly to the incomplete part of the form.

It is your responsibility to ensure your Bid is submitted before the 3 pm Wednesday 28 October 2015 (AEDT).

Q. I have addressed the error messages but my bid form still won’t submit

A: Sometimes the problem is a firewall which is blocking you from uploading information from your computer system. This may apply to organisations with secure networks.

If you are sure that the form is complete and you have filled out all the required fields and declarations and addressed any errors but the form still won’t submit, then contact the Department on 1800803772 before the 3 pm Wednesday 28 October 2015 (AEDT).

Q. How will I know my bid has been received?

A: Once an online Application is submitted, an automatic receipt will be generated and displayed in your web browser. You will have the option of having the receipt emailed to you. We strongly recommend that you keep a copy of this receipt for your records.

Q. I made a mistake on my bid form – can I change it?

A: A new bid form with the altered information and a written request for the Department to withdraw the original application received will need to be submitted before the sale close time.

You cannot withdraw your Bid after the Sale Close Time. Withdrawing a Bid requires written notice to that includes in the email subject title ‘Withdraw Bid reference number: CEWO XXX’.