Water Act 2000

The main purposes of this Act are to provide a framework for the following—

the sustainable management of Queensland’s water resources and quarry material by establishing a system for—

the planning, allocation and use of water; and

the allocation of quarry material and riverine protection;

the sustainable and secure water supply and demand management for the south-east Queensland region and other designated regions;

the management of impacts on underground water caused by the exercise of underground water rights by the resource sector;

the effective operation of water authorities.

For subsection (1)(a), sustainable management is management that—

incorporates the principles of ecologically sustainable development; and

allows for the allocation and use of water resources and quarry material for the economic, physical and social wellbeing of the people of Queensland, within limits that can be sustained indefinitely; and

sustains the health of ecosystems, water quality, water-dependent ecological processes and biological diversity associated with watercourses, lakes, springs, aquifers and other natural water systems, including, where practicable, reversing degradation that has occurred; and

recognises the interests of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and their connection with water resources; and

enables water resources and quarry material to be obtained through fair, transparent and orderly processes to support the economic development of Queensland; and

builds confidence regarding the availability, security and value of water entitlements and other authorisations; and

promotes the efficient use of water through—

the establishment and operation of water markets; or

the initial allocation of water; or

the regulation of water use if there is a risk of land or water degradation; or

increasing community understanding of the need to use and manage water in a sustainable way; and

facilitates the community taking an active part in planning for the management and allocation of water.

For subsection (2)(g), the efficient use of water—

incorporates water demand management and water conservation measures; or

considers the volume and quality of water required for particular circumstances, including release into the environment.