Water Management Act 2000

If satisfied that there is a severe water shortage in relation to a particular water management area or water source, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, suspend the operation of any management plan, either in whole or in part, in relation to that or any other water management area or water source.

Before suspending the operation of a management plan in relation to a water management area or water source, the Minister must obtain the concurrence of the Minister for the Environment.

As soon as practicable after an order under this section is published in the Gazette, a copy of the order must be published in the authorised manner.

An order under this section expires (unless sooner revoked) at the end of 30 June following the date on which it is made or, if made on or after 1 April in any year, at the end of 30 June of the following year.

An order may not be made under this section or section 49B in relation to a management plan that has, at any time during the previous 12 months, been subject to a prior order under this section or section 49B unless the Minister is satisfied, for reasons specified in the order, that there is no need for the plan to be amended under Division 9.