Water Management Act 1999

During a water supply emergency, the Minister may give such directions ("WSE directions") to such persons as the Minister considers necessary or expedient to deal with that emergency.

Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Minister may give one or more of the following WSE directions:a direction preventing the taking of water by a person otherwise authorised to do so; a direction permitting the taking of water by a person not otherwise authorised to do so; if practicable, a direction for a person to release into a watercourse water that has been taken in accordance with an authority under this Act; a direction for a person to operate infrastructure so as to release or transfer water.

A WSE direction may be inconsistent with a water management plan.

A person who is given a WSE direction may, without any further authority than this provision, comply with the direction.

A person must not contravene a WSE direction. Fine not exceeding 500 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 10 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.