Water, Water, Everywhere…

1 February 2015

As published in CK Momentum Issue 5  (Click here to download)

The CK Agribusiness group has been watching and receiving reports of much needed rain falling in certain parts of Queensland and New South Wales. While not widespread and more being required, the water has provided relief to a number of communities severely affected by drought and increased hopes for the winter crop. For all stakeholders we hope reports of more to come are true as water is one of the key components of a successful agribusiness operation. The efficient use, distribution and regulation of it cannot be stressed enough in the current dry times.

In Queensland, recent reforms made by the Water Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act amended a number of legislative acts that govern water usage.

Reforms include:

  • support for the expansion of water markets across Queensland;
  • amendment to the Mineral Resources Act and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act so both the mining and petroleum and gas sectors in Queensland will operate under the one consistent framework for the management of groundwater;
  • support for the accelerated transition of water licences to tradeable water allocations; and
  • provide a framework for allowing use of water for particular low risk activities without a licence.

With a long history of drought likely to repeat itself, even those fortunate enough to have received some of the recent falls should be aware of the new rules and rights affecting their use of water.

This bulletin is produced as general information in summary for clients and subscribers and should not be relied upon as a substitute for detailed legal advice or as a basis for formulating business or other decisions. ClarkeKann asserts copyright over the contents of this document. This bulletin is produced by ClarkeKann. It is intended to provide general information in summary form on legal topics, current at the time of publication. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular matters. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation. Privacy Policy

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