The 'neutral or beneficial effect on water quality' test under cl 10(1) of the Catchment SEPP requires comparison of water quality with the proposed development against water quality without it, using actual (not hypothetical or permissible) water quality as the baseline. Where existing operations that affect water quality are time-limited, the baseline must account for the cessation of those operations. There is no general principle requiring laxity in construing delegated legislation; where the language of delegated legislation is taken directly from the empowering statute, the same principles of construction apply.
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