Source: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fragview/inforce/act+92+2000+ch.3+2009-07-17+N
Timestamp: 2013-05-23 05:09:52
Document Index: 346050954

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art(1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art\n71', 'art 3', 'art(1', 'art\n110', 'art 4']

Historical version for 17 July 2009 to 7 January 2010 (accessed 23 May 2013 at 15:09) Current version
Chapter 3 Water management implementationPart 1 Basic landholder rightsDivision 1 Domestic and stock rights52 Domestic and stock rights(1) Subject to subsection (2), an owner or occupier of a landholding
is entitled, without the need for an access licence, water supply work
approval or water use approval:(a) to take water from any river, estuary or lake to which the land
has frontage or from any aquifer underlying the land, and
(b) to construct and use a water supply work for that purpose,
(c) to use the water so taken for domestic consumption and stock
watering, but not for any other purpose.
(2) Subsection (1) does not allow a landholder:(a) to take or use water in contravention of any mandatory guidelines
established under section 336B, or
(b) to construct a dam or water bore without a water supply work
(c) in the case of the owner or occupier of a landholding arising from
a subdivision effected on or after 1 July 2004, to take or use water in
contravention of any prohibition or restriction imposed by or under the
regulations (including any prohibition or restriction that the Minister is
authorised by the regulations to impose).
(3) In this section:domestic
consumption, in relation to land, means consumption for normal
household purposes in domestic premises situated on the land.stock
watering, in relation to land, means the watering of stock animals
being raised on the land, but does not include the use of water in connection
with the raising of stock animals on an intensive commercial basis that are
housed or kept in feedlots or buildings for all (or a substantial part) of the
period during which the stock animals are being
raised.Division 2 Harvestable rights53 Harvestable rights(1) An owner or occupier of a landholding within a harvestable rights
area is entitled, without the need for any access licence, water supply work
approval or water use approval:(a) to construct and use a dam for the purpose of capturing and
storing rainwater run-off, and
(b) to use water that has been captured and stored by a dam so
in accordance with the harvestable rights order by which the area is
constituted.(2) A single dam may be used both for rainwater run-off that has been
captured and other water that has been lawfully taken from a water source, but
only if the harvestable rights order so provides.(3) This section does not allow a landholder:(a) to supply any other land with water that has been captured and
stored under this section, or
(b) to construct or use a dam that obstructs the flow of a river,
unless the river is declared by the relevant harvestable rights order to be a
minor stream for the purposes of this Division.
54 Harvestable rights orders(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, constitute
any land as a harvestable rights area and may, by the same or a subsequent
order so published, name the area and fix its boundaries.Editorial note. For harvestable rights orders see Gazette No 110 of 1.7.2004, pp
5515, 5517.(2) The order by which a harvestable rights area is constituted must
specify the following:(a) the proportion of the average rainwater run-off that may be
captured by landholders in the area (being no less than 10% of that
(b) the procedures to be followed for calculating the average
rainwater run-off for a landholding in the area.
(3) The order may allow an existing dam to be used both for rainwater
run-off that has been captured and other water that has been lawfully taken
from a water source.(4) The order may also deal with the following matters:(a) the types and locations of dams that may be used by a landholder
to capture and store rainwater run-off,
(b) the means by which the maximum capacity of a dam that may be used
by a landholder to capture and store rainwater run-off is to be
(c) the arrangements that may be made by landholders of adjoining land
for the shared use of a single dam for the capture of rainwater
(d) such other matters as are necessary or convenient to give effect
(5) For the purpose of calculating any matter under an order under
this section, a reference in the order to an area of land is, in the case of
land that is valued under the Valuation of
Land Act 1916, a reference to the area of a portion or parcel
of land that is separately valued under that Act.(6) An order under this section may deal with any matter by reference
to a map held in the head office of the Department.(7) Any map that is so referred to is to be available for public
inspection, free of charge, during normal office hours at the head office of
the Department and at the regional office for the area to which the relevant
order relates.Division 3 Native title rights55 Native title rights(1) A native title holder is entitled, without the need for an access
licence, water supply work approval or water use approval, to take and use
water in the exercise of native title rights.(2) This section does not authorise a native title holder:(a) to construct a dam or water bore without a water supply work
(b) to construct or use a water supply work otherwise than on land
that he or she owns.
(3) The maximum amount of water that can be taken or used by a native
title holder in any one year for domestic and traditional purposes is the
amount prescribed by the regulations.Part 2 Access licencesDivision 1 Preliminary55A Application of Part(1) This Part applies to:(a) each part of the State or each water source,
(b) each category or subcategory of access licence that relates to
that part of the State or that water source,
that is declared by proclamation to be a part of the State or water
source, and category or subcategory of access licence, to which this Part
applies.Editorial note. For declarations proclaimed under this subsection see Gazettes No
110 of 1.7.2004, p 5004; No 120 of 29.9.2006, p 8440; No 127 of 27.10.2006, pp
8906, 8907; No 83 of 29.6.2007, p 3967; No 11 of 31.1.2008, p 213; No 76 of
27.6.2008, p 5871; No 93 of 26.6.2009, p 3581 and No 109 of 31.7.2009, p
4665.(2) Despite subsection (1), specified provisions of this Part may be
declared by proclamation to apply to the whole of the State, and apply
accordingly.Editorial note. See Gazette No 263 of 20.12.2002, p 10752 for proclamation
applying section 71L (renumbered as section 71Z) to the whole of the State on
and from 20 December 2002.56 Access licences(1) An access licence entitles its holder:(a) to specified shares in the available water within a specified
water management area or from a specified water source (the share
component), and
(b) to take water:(i) at specified times, at specified rates or in specified
circumstances, or in any combination of these, and
(ii) in specified areas or from specified
(the extraction
(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a), the share component of an
access licence may be expressed:(a) as a specified maximum volume over a specified period,
(b) as a specified proportion of the available water,
(c) as a specified proportion of the storage capacity of a specified
dam or other storage work and a specified proportion of the inflow to that dam
or work, or
(d) as a specified number of units.
(3) Shares in available water may be assigned generally or to
specified categories of access licence.(4) In the case of a local water utility licence, its share component
is to be expressed as a specified volume per year.(4A) Without limiting subsection (1) (b), the extraction component of
an access licence may authorise the taking of water from a water source
specified in the share component of the licence and from another water source
not so specified if those water sources are vertically abutting (either wholly
or partly) water sources.(4B) In the circumstances referred to in subsection (4A), the water
source specified in the share component of the access licence is to be the
water source that is the main source for the extraction of water by the holder
of the licence.(5) For the purposes of this Act, an access licence may also be
referred to as a water access
licence or a WAL.(6) (Repealed)Note. An access licence:(a) does not confer a right on any person to use water for any
particular purpose (that right is conferred by a water use approval),
(b) does not confer a right on any person to construct or use a water
supply work (that right is conferred by a water supply work
57 Categories of licence(1) There are the following categories of access licences:(a) regulated river (high security) access
(b) regulated river (general security) access
(c) regulated river (conveyance) access licences,
(d) unregulated river access licences,
(e) aquifer access licences,
(f) estuarine water access licences,
(g) coastal water access licences,
(h) supplementary water access licences,
(i) major utility access licences,
(j) local water utility access licences,
(k) domestic and stock access licences,
(l) such other categories of access licence as may be prescribed by
(2) Subcategories of any category of access licence may be prescribed
by the regulations.58 Priorities between different categories of
licence(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following priorities are to be
observed in relation to access licences:(a) local water utility access licences, major utility access licences
and domestic and stock access licences have priority over all other access
(b) regulated river (high security) access licences have priority over
all other access licences (other than those referred to in paragraph
(c) access licences (other than those referred to in paragraphs (a),
(b) and (d)) have priority between themselves as prescribed by the
(d) supplementary water access licences have priority below all other
(2) If one access licence (the higher priority
licence) has priority over another access licence (the lower priority
licence), then if the water allocations under them have to be
diminished, the water allocations of the higher priority licence are to be
diminished at a lesser rate than the water allocations of the lower priority
licence.(3) In relation to the water management area or water source to which
it applies, a management plan may provide for different rules of priority to
those established by subsection (1).(4) If a management plan so provides for different rules of priority,
those different rules are taken to have been established by this
section.59 Available water determinations(1) From time to time, the Minister may, by order in writing, make
either or both of the following determinations (an available
water determination):(a) a determination as to the availability of water for one or more
categories or subcategories of access licences in relation to one or more
specified water management areas or water sources,
(b) while an order is in force under section 49A (1), a determination
as to the availability of water for one or more individual access licences in
relation to one or more specified water management areas or water
(1A) An available water determination that is made in relation to a
particular category of access licence applies to all subcategories of that
category except to the extent to which it otherwise
provides.(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the
manner in which an available water determination is to be
notified.(3) If the extraction component of an access licence authorises the
taking of water from a water source specified in the share component of the
licence and from another water source not so specified and those water sources
are vertically abutting (either wholly or partly) water sources, the available
water determinations that apply to the licence are those made in relation to
the water source specified in the share component of the
licence.(4) If the Minister consents to the amendment of an access licence to
enable water to be taken by a nominated water supply work located in some
other water management area or water source than that to which the licence
relates, the available water determinations applicable to water taken by means
of the work are those made in relation to the relevant category or subcategory
of access licence in relation to that other water management area or water
source.60 Rules of distribution applicable to making of available
water determinations(1) Except while an order under section 49A is in force, the following
rules of distribution apply to the making of an available water determination
of a type referred to in section 59 (1) (a):(a) the rules of priority established by section
(b) the provisions of any relevant bulk access
(c) the provisions of any relevant management
(d) the provisions of any relevant implementation
(2) (Repealed)(3) While an order under section 49A is in force, the following rules
of distribution apply to the making of an available water
determination:(a) first priority is to be given to:(i) the taking of water for domestic purposes by persons exercising
basic landholder rights, and
(ii) the taking of water for domestic purposes or essential town
services authorised by an access licence,
(b) second priority is to be given to the needs of the
(c) third priority is to be given to:(i) the taking of water for stock purposes by persons exercising basic
landholder rights, and
(ii) in the case of regulated rivers, the taking of water for purposes
(other than domestic purposes) authorised by a regulated river (high security)
access licence, and
(iii) the taking of water for the purposes of supply of commercial and
industrial activities authorised by a major utility access licence or local
water utility access licence, subject to the water made available being in
accordance with any drought management strategy established by the Minister
(iv) the taking of water for the purposes of electricity generation
authorised by a major utility access licence, and
(v) the taking of water for purposes authorised by a domestic and
stock access licence or by persons exercising any other water rights in
relation to stock, and
(vi) the taking of water for purposes authorised by a conveyance access
licence in connection with the supply of water for any other purpose or need
referred to in this paragraph,
(d) fourth priority is to be given to the taking of water for purposes
authorised by any other category or subcategory of access
(4) Nothing in this section gives rise to a claim for compensation
under Division 9.Division 1A Offences60A Taking water without, or otherwise than authorised by, an
access licence(1) A person:(a) who takes water from a water source to which this Part applies,
(b) who does not hold an access licence for that water source,
(c) who intentionally or negligently takes that water without
obtaining an access licence for that water source,
is guilty of an offence.Tier 1 penalty.(2) A person:(a) who takes water from a water source to which this Part applies,
(b) who does not hold an access licence for that water
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) A holder of an access licence:(a) who takes water from a water source to which this Part applies
otherwise than as authorised by the licence, and
(b) who intentionally or negligently takes that water without
obtaining an access licence that authorises the taking of that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 1 penalty.(4) A holder of an access licence who takes water from a water source
to which this Part applies otherwise than as authorised by the licence is
guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(5) Without limiting subsections (3) and (4), a person takes water
otherwise than as authorised by an access licence if the person takes water
while the licence is suspended.(6) Without limiting subsections (3), (4) and (5), a person takes
water otherwise than as authorised by a supplementary water access licence if
the person takes water otherwise than in accordance with the terms of an order
in force under section 70.(7) It is a defence to a prosecution under this section in relation to
the taking of water from a water source to which this Part applies if the
accused person establishes that the water was taken:(a) by means of a nominated water supply work for that water source,
(b) by means of a water supply work that, at all material times, was
nominated in relation to the interstate equivalent of an access
and was otherwise taken in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the access licence in connection with which it is
nominated.(8) The defence established by subsection (7) (b) is not available
unless the Minister has been duly notified that the relevant water supply work
has been nominated as referred to in that
paragraph.60B Contravention of terms and conditions of access
licenceA person who takes water pursuant to an access licence is guilty
of an offence if the person contravenes any term or condition of the
licence.Tier 2 penalty.60C Taking water for which there is no, or insufficient,
water allocation(1) A person:(a) who takes water from a water source to which this Part applies
when there is no water credited to the access licence by which the taking of
water from that water source is authorised, and
(b) who intentionally or negligently fails to ascertain whether there
is any water credited to that access licence,
is guilty of an offence.Tier 1 penalty.(2) A person who takes water from a water source to which this Part
applies when there is no water credited to the access licence by which the
taking of water from that water source is authorised is guilty of an
offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) A person:(a) who takes more water from a water source to which this Part
applies than is credited to the access licence by which the taking of water
from that water source is authorised, and
is sufficient water credited to that access
is guilty of an offence.Tier 1 penalty.(4) A person who takes more water from a water source to which this
Part applies than is credited to the access licence by which the taking of
water from that water source is authorised is guilty of an
offence.Tier 2 penalty.(5) If a person who has the control or management of a water supply
work takes water by means of that work in contravention of subsection (2) or
(4), and the water supply work is nominated in relation to an access licence
held by some other person, both persons are taken to have contravened that
subsection.(6) Either person referred to in subsection (5) may be proceeded
against and convicted for an offence under subsection (2) or (4), as the case
requires, whether or not the other person has been proceeded against or
convicted for such an offence.60D Taking water otherwise than from a nominated water supply
workA person who takes water from a water source to which this Part
applies otherwise than by means of a nominated water supply work for that
water source is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.60E Liability of occupier of premises for certain
offences(1) The occupier of premises at or from which water is taken in
contravention of a provision of this Division is taken to have contravened
that provision unless it is established that:(a) the water was taken by another person, and
(b) the other person was not associated with the occupier at the time
the water was taken, and
(c) the occupier took all reasonable steps to prevent the water being
A person is associated with the occupier for the purposes of
paragraph (b) (but without limiting any other circumstances of association) if
the person is an employee, agent, licensee, contractor or sub-contractor of
the occupier.(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent proceedings being taken under this
Act against the person who actually committed the
offence.60F General defence(1) It is a defence to a prosecution under this Division in relation
to a Tier 1 offence if the accused person establishes:(a) that the commission of the offence was due to causes over which
the person had no control, and
(b) that the person took reasonable precautions and exercised due
diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution under this Division in relation
to the taking of water from a water source to which this Part applies if the
accused person establishes:(a) that the water was taken pursuant to a basic landholder right, a
consent given under section 71V or an order under section 85A,
(b) that the person was exempt, pursuant to this Act or the
regulations, from any requirement for an access licence in relation to the
taking of water from that water source.
(3) This Division does not prevent a person from taking water pursuant
to an entitlement in force under the Water
Act 1912, where entitlement has
the same meaning as it has in Schedule 10.60G Minister may charge for water illegally taken(1) If satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a person has
taken water from a water source to which this Part applies in contravention of
this Division, the Minister may do either or both of the following:(a) impose on the person a charge for water taken (which may include a
penalty component) not exceeding 5 times the value of the water so taken, as
determined in accordance with the regulations,
(b) if the person holds an access licence, order that any water
allocations credited or to be credited to the account for the licence be
debited up to 5 times the quantity of the water so
(2) Action under this section may not be taken against a person unless
the Minister:(a) has given written notice to the person that the Minister proposes
to take such action, and
(b) has given the person a reasonable opportunity to make submissions
to the Minister with respect to the proposed action, and
60H Application of Division in relation to interstate
licencesIn this Division, a reference to an access licence includes a
reference to any licence of a similar nature (however described):(a) that is granted under the law of another State or Territory,
(b) that is declared by the regulations to have the same effect as an
access licence for the purposes of this Division.
Division 2 Granting of access licences61 Applications for granting of access licences(1) A person may apply to the Minister for an access licence
if:(a) the application is for a specific purpose access licence and the
regulations provide, or a management plan provides, that an application for
the licence may be made, or
(b) the application is for an access licence with a zero share
component (as referred to in section 63 (5)), or
(c) the person has acquired the right to apply for the licence under
(2) (Repealed)(3) In the case of an application under subsection (1) for an access
licence:(a) for water in an area that is not within a water management area,
(b) for water in a water management area for which there is no water
sharing management plan in force,
the Minister must cause the application to be advertised in accordance
with the regulations.(4) (Repealed)(5) The Minister:(a) may require an applicant for an access licence to provide
incomplete.62 Objections to granting of access licences(1) Any person may, in accordance with the regulations, object to the
granting of an access licence:(a) for water in an area that is not within a water management area,
sharing management plan in force.
(2) The Minister must inform the applicant for the access licence of
the grounds of any objection to the granting of the licence and must allow the
applicant a specified time within which to make a written response to the
Minister in relation to the objection.(3) The Minister:(a) may require an objector or applicant to provide additional
information within a specified time if of the opinion that additional
information would be relevant to consideration of the objection or response,
(b) may delay consideration of the objection or response until the
information is provided or, if the information is not provided within the time
specified, may refuse to consider the objection or
(4) If there is a deficiency in an objection or response, the Minister
may notify the objector or applicant accordingly and allow further time to
enable the deficiency to be rectified.(5) Before making a decision on an application for an access licence
in respect of which any objection has been made, the Minister must endeavour
to resolve the issues raised by the objection by means of consultation with
the applicant and the objector, with a view to reaching agreement on the
matters raised by the objection.(6) For the purpose of reaching such an agreement, the Minister may
propose that the matters raised by the objection be dealt with by way of
mediation or neutral evaluation involving an independent mediator or evaluator
selected by agreement between the applicant, the objector and the
Minister.(7) An application or objection may be dismissed by the Minister if
the applicant or objector, as the case may be, fails to participate in any
mediation or neutral evaluation proceedings referred to in subsection
(6).63 Determination of applications(1) The Minister may determine an application for an access licence by
granting or refusing to grant the licence.(2) An access licence is not to be granted unless the Minister is
satisfied that:(a) the granting of an access licence, or an access licence of the
category to which the application relates, is permitted by the relevant
provisions of a management plan or Minister’s plan,
(b) adequate arrangements are in force to ensure that no more than
minimal harm will be done to any water source as a consequence of water being
taken from the water source under the licence.
(3) Despite subsection (1):(a) a local water utility access licence may only be granted to a
local water utility, and
(b) a major utility access licence may only be granted to a major
(4) An access licence must specify:(a) in relation to its share component, the water management area or
water source to which it relates, and
(b) in relation to its extraction component, the times, rates or
circumstances in which, and the areas or locations from which, water may be
taken under the licence.
(5) An access licence may be issued with a zero share component or
zero extraction component (or both) but, even if it is issued with a zero
share component, must still specify the water management area or water source
to which it relates.(6) Two or more co-holders of an access licence granted under this
section are taken to hold the access licence:(a) as provided by the application for the access licence,
(b) if the application makes no such provision, as tenants in common
with the entitlements conferred by the licence under section 56 apportioned
equally between the tenants.
(7) An access licence is to be in such form as the Minister may
determine.(8)–(10) (Repealed)64 Notice of decision(1) After determining an application under this Division, the Minister
must cause notice of the determination to be given to the applicant and, if
the application relates to:(a) an area that is not within a water management area,
(b) a water management area for which there is no water sharing
management plan in force,
to each person who has made an objection in connection with the
application.(2) (Repealed)(3) A notification under subsection (1) must be given within 7 days of
the determination.65 Controlled allocation of access licences(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare that
the right to apply for an access licence for a specified water management area
or water source is to be acquired by auction, tender or other means specified
in the order.(2) An order under this section:(a) may relate to one or more particular access licences, or a
particular class of access licences or all access licences, for a specified
water management area or water source, and
(b) may specify a limited period for which such an access licence is
(3), (4) (Repealed)Division 3 Conditions and duration of access
licences66 Conditions of access licence generally(1) An access licence is subject to such conditions as the Minister
may from time to time impose:(a) which must include such conditions as are required to be imposed
on the licence by this Act or by any relevant management plan (mandatory
conditions), and
(b) which may include such other conditions, such as:(i) conditions to give effect to any agreement between an applicant
and objector under section 62 (5), and
(ii) conditions relating to the protection of the
as the Minister thinks fit (discretionary
(1A) Mandatory conditions do not have effect in relation to an access
licence unless they are included in the terms of the
licence.(2) A mandatory condition prevails over a discretionary condition to
the extent of any inconsistency between them.Note. If a management plan or Minister’s plan is replaced or
amended during the term of an access licence, the mandatory conditions
applying to the access licence may vary.(2A) When granting a specific purpose access licence, the Minister is
to impose a condition on the licence so as to ensure that the licence is used
for the purpose for which it is granted. Such a condition may limit the
operation of the licence to a particular location.(3) At the end of each 5-year period, the Minister is to vary each
local water utility licence so as to reflect any variation in population,
together with any variation in associated commercial activities, that has
occurred during that period in the area in which domestic water is supplied
under the licence.(3A) In subsection (3), associated
commercial activities means activities within the following
categories recognised in the Australian and New
Zealand Standard Industry Classification (ANZSIC), 1993
edition (Australian Bureau of Statistics publication, Catalogue No
1292.0):(a) construction (category E),
(b) wholesale trade (category F),
(c) retail trade (category G),
(d) accommodation, cafes and restaurants (category
(e) communication services (category J),
(f) finance and insurance (category K),
(g) property and business services (category L),
(h) government administration and defence (category
(i) education (category N),
(j) health and community services (category O),
(k) cultural and recreational services (category
(l) personal and other services (category
(4) On the application of a local water utility, the Minister may at
any time increase the utility’s entitlement to water under a local water
utility licence so as to reflect any rapid growth of population within the
utility’s area requiring an immediate increase in the availability of
water for supply by that utility.67 Imposition of conditions after access licence is
granted(1) Discretionary conditions may not be imposed on an access licence
after it has been granted unless the Minister:(a) has given written notice to the holder of the access licence that
the Minister proposes to impose such conditions, and
(b) has given the holder of the access licence a reasonable
opportunity to make submissions to the Minister with respect to the proposed
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to conditions imposed on an access
licence at the request of the holder of the access licence, to conditions
imposed on an access licence as a result of action taken under section 66 (3)
or to conditions imposed on an access licence in connection with a dealing
under Division 4.(2A) Mandatory conditions are to be imposed on an access licence
whenever it becomes necessary to do so in order to give effect to a relevant
management plan.(3) The Minister must cause written notice of any conditions imposed
on an access licence after the time it is granted to be served on the holder
of the access licence.(4) A condition referred to in subsection (3) takes effect on the day
on which the notice referred to in that subsection is served on the holder of
the access licence or on such later day as may be specified in the notice in
that regard.68 Revocation of conditionsThe Minister may at any time revoke any discretionary conditions
to which an access licence is subject, whether or not on the application of
the holder of the access licence.68A Amendment of share or extraction components of access
licences by Minister(1) The Minister may amend the share component or extraction component
of an access licence in accordance with this Act or the relevant management
plan.(1A) The Minister may amend the share component or extraction component
(or both) of an access licence so as to alter the water management area or
water source to which the share component of the licence relates, or the
locations from which water may be taken in accordance with the extraction
component of the licence.(1B) An amendment may only be made under subsection (1A) if:(a) the amendment is for the purpose of enabling the holder of the
licence to take water from a different water source to that authorised by the
licence because erroneous location data has resulted in the holder taking
water from that different source, and
(b) at the time at which the granting of the access licence was
recorded in the Access Register, an access licence could have been granted to
the holder authorising the taking of water from that different water
(2) The Minister must cause written notice of an amendment of an
access licence under this section to be served on the holder of the licence
and any security holder in relation to the licence.(3) An amendment under this section has no effect until it is recorded
in the Access Register.Note. The holder of an access licence that is amended in accordance with
this section may be entitled to compensation under section
87.69 Duration of access licenceAn access licence ceases to be in force on the date that the
cancellation of the licence is recorded in the Access
Register.70 (Repealed)Division 3A Water Access Licence RegisterSubdivision 1 Keeping of the Access Register71 Water Access Licence Register(1) The Minister is to keep a Water Access Licence Register for the
purposes of this Act (the Access
Register).(2) In the Access Register, there is to be a division recording the
matters specified in section 71A (1) (the General
Division) and a division recording the matters specified in section
71A (2) (the Assignment
Division).(3) The Access Register is to be kept in the form and manner
determined by the Minister.(4) Without limiting subsection (3), the Access Register may be kept
in the form of a computer record.71A Dealings and other matters that must be recorded in the
Access Register(1) The following matters relating to an access licence (including a
replacement access licence) or a holding in an access licence must be recorded
in the General Division of the Access Register:(a) Ministerial action in relation to the licence or
(b) any general dealing in the licence or holding,
(c) any dealing on default in relation to the licence or
(d) any caveat lodged in relation to the licence or
(e) any security interest held over the licence or
(f) any devolution of the licence or holding as referred to in section
(g) any alteration in co-holder’s tenancy arrangements in
relation to the licence or holding, as referred to in section
(2) The following matters are to be recorded in the Assignment
Division of the Access Register in such manner as the Minister considers
appropriate:(a) any assignment dealing in an access licence,
(b) any other matter prescribed by the
71B When matters required to be recorded in General Division
of Access Register have effect(1) Subject to this section, any matter required to be recorded in the
General Division of the Access Register:(a) has no effect unless it is so recorded, and
(b) takes effect on being recorded.
(2) An assignment dealing in relation to an access licence takes
effect when details of the assignment are entered in the water allocation
account for the access licence.(3) If an application for the extension of a term transfer under
section 71N is received before the expiry of the term transfer, the extension
is to be recorded in the Access Register as taking effect from the end of the
current term of the term transfer.71C Provisions with respect to registration of dealings,
RegisterSchedule 1A has effect.Subdivision 2 Registration of security interests71D Creation of registered security interests by recording in
Access Register(1) A registered security interest over an access licence (or a
holding in an access licence that is held as a tenancy in common) is created
by:(a) execution of an instrument in the approved form evidencing the
existence of a security interest over the licence or holding,
(b) registering the security interest by recording it in the Access
Register in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 1A.
Note. A security interest has no effect until recorded in the Access
Register—see sections 71A (1) (e) and 71B.(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to:(a) a specific purpose access licence, or
(b) a security interest referred to in clause 19 of Schedule
10.Note. Clause 19 of Schedule 10 makes provision for the registration of
security interests in access licences arising from entitlements under former
(3) For the purposes of Chapter 7 of the Duties Act 1997:(a) a registered security interest over an access licence or holding
in an access licence is taken to be a security by way of mortgage or charge
over property wholly or partly in New South Wales, and
(b) the liability date is the date on which the registered security
interest is first recorded in the Access Register,
except as provided by the regulations.Subdivision 3 Registration of caveats71E Minister may register caveats(1) The Minister may, on the application in the approved form of an
affected person, record a caveat on an access licence (or holding in an access
licence) in the Access Register in such manner as appears to the Minister to
be appropriate.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister may (whether or not
on the application of an affected person) record a caveat in the Access
Register:(a) on behalf of any person with a legal disability or on behalf of
(b) if it appears to the Minister that any error has been made by
misdescription or otherwise in relation to an access licence, or to prevent
any fraud or improper dealing with a licence.
(3) In this section:affected
person, in relation to an access licence or holding in an access
licence, means the following:(a) the holder or a co-holder of the licence or
(b) a holder of a security interest over the licence or holding
(whether or not registered),
(c) a party to a dealing, or prospective dealing, in the licence or
(d) a person entitled, or claiming to be entitled, to be registered as
a holder or co-holder of the licence or holding by devolution as referred to
in section 72,
(e) any other person of a class prescribed by the
71F Effect of a caveat(1) A caveat on an access licence (or holding in an access licence)
prohibits the recording in the Access Register of any general dealing,
security interest or change in co-holder’s tenancy arrangements in
relation to the licence or holding that interferes with the entitlements or
rights in respect of the licence or holding claimed by the person by or on
whose behalf the caveat is lodged (the caveator).(2) A caveat on an access licence or holding in an access licence does
not affect the recording in the Access Register of any Ministerial action,
devolution, assignment dealing or dealing on default in relation to the
licence or holding.(3) Subsection (1) does not prohibit the registration of any matter
if:(a) the caveator consents to the registration, or
(b) a court of competent jurisdiction orders the registration, or
makes an order that by necessary implication requires it, despite the caveat,
(c) the matter is required to be registered expressly or by necessary
implication by any enactment of the State or the Commonwealth,
(4) Subsection (1) does not prohibit registration of any matter in
relation to the access licence or holding in an access licence the subject of
a caveat if the matter was lodged for registration before the caveat was
lodged.Note. Part 2 of Schedule 1A contains further provisions with respect to
caveats.Subdivision 4 Miscellaneous71G Minister may require production of access licence
certificate before recording matters in Access RegisterThe Minister may require the access licence certificate for an
access licence to be produced to the Minister before the Minister records any
dealing, security interest or changes to co-holder’s tenancy
arrangements under the licence in the Access Register.71H Searches of the Access Register(1) The Minister may, on application made by a person in the approved
form for a search of any information recorded in the Access Register,
cause:(a) a search to be made of the Access Register,
(b) a certificate of the result of the search to be issued to the
(2) The search is to be authenticated in such manner as the Minister
considers appropriate.(3) The Minister is not required to cause a search to be carried out,
or a certificate to be issued, under this section, unless:(a) the approved fee (if any) for the search or certificate has been
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the fee will be paid in accordance
with arrangements approved by the Minister.
71I Correction and amendment of Access RegisterThe Minister may, on such evidence as the Minister considers
sufficient, correct an error, omission or defect, or amend for any other
reason, any recording in the Access Register.71J Access to the Access Register(1) The Minister is to make the information recorded in the Access
Register available to any member of the public at the times and in the manner
and on payment of the fee (if any) approved by the
Minister.(2) The information may be made available in accordance with such
conditions as are determined by the Minister.(3) The conditions may:(a) require the payment, whether on a periodic or other basis, of fees
and charges, and
(b) restrict access to information in the Access Register or any part
71K Minister to supply reasons for certain decisions in
relation to Access Register(1) A person who is dissatisfied with any decision of the Minister in
relation to the keeping of the Access Register may apply to the Minister for a
copy of the Minister’s reasons for the
decision.(2) It is the Minister’s duty to provide the person with those
reasons.Division 4 Dealings with access licences71L How does a dealing take effect?(1) General dealings requiring consent A general dealing in an access licence or holding in an access
licence that requires the Minister’s consent takes effect as
follows:(a) application is made to the Minister in the approved form, and
accompanied by the approved fee, for consent to the
(b) the Minister grants consent, but only if:(i) the dealing complies with section 71Y (General) and with the other
provisions of this Division that are applicable to the dealing,
(ii) in the case of an access licence that is co-held—each
co-holder of the licence has (subject to sections 71M and 71N) consented to
(c) if an access licence or holding in an access licence is subject to
a registered security interest, the security holder consents to the recording
of the dealing in the Access Register,
(d) application is made to the Minister in accordance with subsection
(2) to record the dealing in the Access Register,
(e) the dealing takes effect on registration (subject to and in
accordance with this Act) in the Access Register.
(2) An application to record a dealing requiring the Minister’s
consent in the Access Register must be lodged with the Minister within 6
months (or such other period as is prescribed by the regulations) after
consent is granted. Consent is taken to be revoked if an application is not
lodged within that period.(3) Dealings on default and general dealings not requiring
consent A dealing on default or general dealing in an access licence or
holding in an access licence that does not require the Minister’s
consent takes effect as follows:(a) in the case of a general dealing in an access licence that is
co-held—each co-holder of the licence has (subject to sections 71M and
71N) consented to the recording of the dealing in the Access
(b) in the case of a general dealing in an access licence or holding
in an access licence that is the subject of a registered security
interest—consent to the recording of the dealing in the Access Register
is obtained from the security holder,
(c) in the case of a dealing in default in an access licence or
holding in an access licence—the dealing complies with section 71X
(d) the dealing on default or general dealing complies with any other
provisions of this Division that are applicable to the
(e) an application is made to the Minister to record the dealing in
the Access Register,
(f) the dealing takes effect on registration (subject to and in
(4) Assignment dealings An assignment dealing in an access licence takes effect as
follows:(a) an application is made to the Minister in the approved form for
consent to the dealing,
(b) if the Minister grants consent, details of the assignment are
entered in the water allocation account for the access licence and the dealing
takes effect on that entry.
71M Transfer of access licences(cf former s 71A)(1) Access licences may be transferred in accordance with this
section.(2) A local water utility access licence may be transferred only if
the transferee is a local water utility.(3) A major utility access licence may be transferred only if the
transferee is a major water utility.(4) The consent of the Minister is required before:(a) the transfer of an access licence of a category or subcategory
(b) the transfer of an access licence in circumstances prescribed by
(5) The consent of the proposed transferee is required before the
transfer of any access licence.(6) Two or more co-holders of an access licence that is transferred
under this section are taken to hold the licence in the way recorded in the
Access Register.(7) This section applies to the transfer of a holding in an access
licence in the same way as it applies to the transfer of an access licence
held by a single person. However, holdings in access licences may be
transferred only if the co-holders hold as tenants in
common.(8) A person who is the holder of a holding in an access licence may
transfer it without the consent of any other persons who are co-holders of the
access licence concerned.71N Term transfers of entitlements under access
licences(1) This section applies to access licences except local water utility
access licences and major utility access licences.(2) The holder of an access licence to which this section applies (the
actual holder
of the licence) may transfer the water entitlements conferred by the
licence to another person for a specified period of not less than 6 months (a
transfer).(3) The consent of the proposed transferee to the term transfer is
required.(4) The consent of the Minister is required before:(a) the term transfer of an access licence of a category or
subcategory prescribed by the regulations, or
(b) the term transfer of an access licence in circumstances prescribed
(5) During the period for which a term transfer has effect, the
transferee is taken to be the holder of the access licence concerned in
relation to any water entitlements (to the exclusion of the actual holder of
the licence) for the following purposes:(a) any entitlements conferred by the licence on the holder of the
(b) the payment of fees and charges under the
(c) compliance with the terms and conditions of the
(d) compliance with any order or direction issued under this Act with
which the holder of the licence must comply,
(f) an application under section 71W (Access licence may nominate
water supply works) or 71T (Assignment of water allocations between access
licences),
(g) any other purpose prescribed by the
(6) The period for which a term transfer is in force may be reduced
with the consent of the transferee.(7) Despite subsection (6), the Minister may consent to a reduction of
the period of a term transfer without the consent of the transferee if
satisfied that the transferee has failed to comply with any obligations
imposed on the transferee under subsection (5).(7A) The period for which a term transfer has effect may be extended,
with the consent of the transferee, while the term transfer remains in
force.(8) During the period for which a term transfer is in force, the
actual holder of the licence is entitled to apply in accordance with this Act
for registration of any dealing with respect to the licence, but, in the case
of a dealing other than a dealing under section 71M, only with the written
consent of the transferee.(9) This section applies to a term transfer of such water entitlements
as are conferred by a holding in an access licence in the same way as it
applies to the transfer of the whole of the water entitlements conferred by an
access licence. In so applying this section, a reference in this section to
the holder of an access licence is to be read as the holder of the holding in
the access licence.(10) However, holdings in access licences may be the subject of a term
transfer only if the co-holders hold as tenants in
common.(11) A person who holds a holding in an access licence may transfer
such water entitlements as are conferred by the holding without the consent of
any of the other co-holders of the access licence.71O Conversion of access licence to new category(cf former s 71B)(1) On the application of the holder of an access licence, the
Minister may consent to the cancellation of the licence and the grant of a new
licence of a different category or subcategory.(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a local water utility access
licence or to a supplementary water access licence.(3) An access licence arising under this section may only be
granted:(a) subject to the mandatory conditions applicable to the category or
subcategory of licence to which it belongs, and
(b) for a period no greater than the residue of the period for which
the cancelled access licence would have had effect if it had not been
(4) An access licence arising under this section may only be granted
in relation to the same water management area or water source as the cancelled
access licence.(5) Any interests that subsisted in the cancelled access licence, as
in force immediately before it was cancelled, become equivalent interests in
the new access licence.(6) (Repealed)71P Subdivision and consolidation of access
licences(cf former s 71C)(1) On the application of the holder of the access licence or access
licences concerned, the Minister may consent:(a) to the subdivision of an access licence—by cancelling the
licence and granting two or more access licences in its place,
(b) to the consolidation of two or more access licences that relate to
the same water management area or water source and are of the same category or
subcategory—by cancelling the licences and granting a single licence in
(2) Access licences arising from a subdivision referred to in
subsection (1) (a) may only be granted:(a) with combined share components and combined extraction components
no greater than the corresponding components of the cancelled access licence,
(b) subject to the same mandatory conditions as those to which the
cancelled access licence was subject, and
(c) for a period no greater than the residue of the period for which
(3) Access licences arising from a consolidation referred to in
subsection (1) (b) may only be granted:(a) with combined share components and combined extraction components
no greater than the sum of the corresponding components of the cancelled
access licences, and
(b) subject to conditions consistent with those to which the cancelled
access licences were subject, and
the earliest expiring of the cancelled access licences would have had effect
if they had not been cancelled.
(4) An access licence arising from a subdivision or consolidation may
only be granted in relation to the same water management area or water source
as the cancelled access licence or licences.(5) Any interests that subsisted in the cancelled access licences, as
in force immediately before they were cancelled, become equivalent interests
in the new access licences.(6) (Repealed)71Q Assignment of rights under access licence(cf former s 71D)(1) On the application of the holder or holders of two or more access
licences of the same category with respect to the same water management area
or water source, the Minister may consent to the assignment of rights between
the access licences concerned by:(a) reduction of the share or extraction component, or both, of one or
some of the licences, and
(b) a corresponding increase in the share or extraction component, or
both, of the others.
(2)–(4) (Repealed)(5) This section does not authorise the reduction of the share or
extraction component, or both, of a local water utility access
licence.(6) An access licence whose share or extraction component is varied
under this section is to be made subject to the mandatory conditions
applicable to an access licence with a share or extraction component as so
varied.(7) An access licence is not cancelled merely because, as a result of
an assignment under this section, it has a zero share component or zero
extraction component (or both) for the time being.71R Amendment of share component of access licence(cf former s 71E)(1) On the application of the holder of an access licence, the
Minister may consent to the cancellation of the access licence and the grant
of a new access licence with a share component specifying a different water
source or water management area.(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a local water utility access
licence or supplementary water access licence.(3) An access licence arising under this section may only be
granted:(a) subject to the mandatory conditions applicable to an access
licence of the same category or subcategory for the water management area or
water source specified in its share component, and
(4) Any interests that subsisted in the cancelled access licence, as
the new access licence.(5) (Repealed)71S Amendment of extraction component of access
licence(cf former s 71F)(1) On the application of the holder of an access licence, the
Minister may consent to the amendment of the extraction component of the
licence so as:(a) to vary the times, rates or circumstances specified in the licence
with respect to the taking of water under the licence, or
(b) to vary the areas or locations specified in the licence as the
areas or locations from which water may be taken under the
(2) The area or location arising from a variation referred to in
subsection (1) (b) must relate to the same water management area or water
source as that to which the original area or location
related.(3) An access licence that is amended under this section is subject to
the mandatory conditions applicable to the licence as so
amended.(4) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare that
the right to apply for an amendment of the extraction component of an access
licence for a specified water management area or water source is to be
acquired by auction, tender or other means specified in the
order.71T Assignment of water allocations between access
licences(cf former s 71G)(1) Water allocations may be assigned from one access licence to
another in accordance with this section.(2) The holders of two or more access licences may apply to the
Minister for consent to the assignment of water allocations between the water
allocation accounts for their respective access
licences.(3) Such an application may only be made with respect to water
allocations currently credited to the access licence from which water
allocations are to be assigned.(4) On completing an assignment to which consent has been given under
this section, the parties to the assignment must cause notice of that fact to
be given to the Minister.(5) (Repealed)71U Interstate transfer of access licences(cf former s 71H)(1) The Minister may enter into an agreement with a Minister of any
other State or Territory for the interstate transfer of access licences and
their corresponding interstate equivalents.(2) On an application made pursuant to such an agreement, the Minister
may consent to the grant or cancellation of an access licence to give effect
to such a transfer.(3) In respect of each access licence arising under this section, the
Minister:(a) must impose on the licence such mandatory conditions as any
relevant management plan may require to be imposed on the licence,
(4) The provisions of section 63 (4), (5), (6) and (7) apply to an
access licence arising under this section in the same way as they apply to an
access licence granted under section 63.71V Interstate assignment of water allocations(cf former s 71I)(1) The Minister may enter into an agreement with a Minister of any
other State or Territory for the interstate assignment of water allocations
and their corresponding interstate equivalents.(2) On an application made pursuant to such an agreement, the Minister
may consent to the crediting of water allocations to an access licence, or the
debiting of water allocations from an access licence, to give effect to such
an assignment.(3) Such an application may only be made with respect to water
allocations are to be assigned.71W Access licence may nominate water supply works(cf former s 71J)(1) On the application of the holder of an access licence, the
Minister may consent to the amendment of the licence so as:(a) to nominate a specified water supply work, or group of water
supply works, as a work or group of works by means of which water allocations
under the licence may be taken, or
(b) to withdraw any such nomination.
(2) The water supply work or group of water supply works nominated
must be in one or more of the following:(a) the same water management area or water source as the access
licence concerned,
(b) a NSW water tagging zone,
(c) an interstate water tagging zone in another State or Territory if
the operation of the work or works is lawful in that zone and an arrangement
is in place (as referred to in section 391A) between the Minister and a
Minister of the other State or Territory.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, a water supply work or group of water
supply works may be nominated under this section even though no approval is
required to be held in relation to the work or works under this
Act.(4) In this section:interstate
water tagging zone means an interstate water tagging zone
established by the access licence dealing principles.NSW water tagging
zone means a NSW water tagging zone established by the access
licence dealing principles.71X Dealings on default(1) A security holder (or a receiver referred to in section 115A of
the Conveyancing Act 1919)
may transfer the access licence or holding in an access licence over which the
security interest is held under this section if:(a) default is made in the payment of any debt or performance of any
other obligation under a contract or other legally enforceable arrangement
secured by the security interest, and
(b) notice is served, in accordance with the regulations, on the
holder or co-holder of the licence who is in default (the defaulter), on
any other person having a registered security interest (whether or not having
less priority), or who has registered a caveat, over the licence or holding
and on the Minister, and
(c) the defaulter fails, for a period of not less than 30 days after
service of the notice, to rectify the default, and
(d) the security holder or receiver offers the licence or holding for
(e) the security holder or receiver takes all reasonable steps to
secure the highest possible amount by the sale, and
(f) application is made to the Minister in the approved form, to
record the transfer of the licence or holding in the Access Register to give
effect to the sale, or, if the security holder is unable to realise the money
secured by the security interest by sale after taking all reasonable steps to
do so, to record the transfer of the licence or holding to the security holder
in the Access Register.
(2) The purchase money from a sale under this section is to be applied
as follows:(a) firstly, in payment of any outstanding fees, charges or civil
penalties incurred in respect of the licence or holding,
(b) secondly, in payment of the expenses of the sale and costs of the
(c) thirdly, in payment of money then due or owing to any holders of
registered security interests over the licence or holding in order of their
(d) fourthly, in payment of any residue to the
(3) For the purposes of a transfer under this section, the security
holder is taken to be the holder or co-holder of the licence and,
accordingly:(a) the security holder may do any thing necessary to effect the
transfer and may give any discharge to the transferee that could be given by
the holder or co-holder of the licence, and
(b) the transferee need make no enquiry in relation to the sale that
the purchaser would not be required to make of the holder or co-holder of the
(4) On registration of the transfer, the licence or holding is held by
the transferee freed and discharged from the registered security interest and
any other registered security interest over the licence or holding of less
priority. Otherwise the transferee holds the licence or holding with an
equivalent interest in the licence or holding to the interest held by the
defaulter and subject to the same conditions and obligations (including the
payment of any outstanding fees, charges or civil penalties incurred in
respect of the licence or holding) to which the defaulter would, but for the
transfer, be subject under this Act.(5) An affected person may apply, in accordance with rules of court,
to the Land and Environment Court for an order prohibiting the registration of
the transfer of an access licence or holding in an access licence under this
section. The Court may make such an order if it is satisfied that the security
holder or receiver has failed to comply with the requirements of subsection
(1) or (2) with respect to the transfer of the licence or
holding.(6) If a security holder or receiver fails to comply with the
requirements of subsection (1) or (2) with respect to the transfer of an
access licence or holding in an access licence under this section, the
security holder is liable to pay to any affected person who suffers pecuniary
loss that is attributable to that failure compensation with respect to that
loss.(7) The compensation is recoverable in proceedings in the Land and
Environment Court by the person who claims to have sustained the
loss.(8) In this section:affected
person, in relation to the transfer of an access licence or holding
in an access licence under this section, means any person on whom notice is
required to be served under subsection (1) (b), or who is entitled to purchase
money from a sale under subsection (2), in relation to the
transfer.71Y General(cf former s 71K)(1) An application for the Minister’s consent to a general
dealing, dealing on default or assignment under section 71T or 71V is to be
dealt with in accordance with:(a) the water management principles, and
(c) the access licence dealing rules established by any relevant
(2) Subsection (1) does not require a dealing to be dealt with in
accordance with the access licence dealing rules established by a relevant
management plan to the extent to which the rules are suspended by an order in
force under section 49A.(3) In the case of an application under section 71R:(a) the management plan for the water management area or water source
to which the share component of the licence currently relates,
(b) the management plan for the water management area or water source
to which the share component of the licence is intended to relate if the
are each relevant management plans.(4) Except to the extent to which the regulations so provide, Division
2 does not apply to or in respect of an application under this
Division.(5) Subject to the regulations, notice of the Minister’s
determination of an application under this Division is to be given to the
applicant or applicants as soon as practicable after the determination is
made.71Z Access licence dealing principles(cf former s 71L)(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, establish
access licence dealing principles:(a) to regulate or prohibit the kinds of access licence dealing rules
that may be established by a management plan, and
(b) to regulate or prohibit the kinds of dealings that may be effected
(c) to establish conversion factors applicable to the share components
of access licences in respect of which dealings are effected under this
(2) The access licence dealing principles may include provisions
relating to any or all of the following:(a) the establishment of interstate water tagging zones for the
purposes of section 71W,
(b) the establishment of NSW water tagging zones for the purposes of
section 71W,
(c) the criteria to be considered for the granting of an application
in circumstances referred to in section 71W (2) (b) or
(3) The access licence dealing principles prevail over the access
licence dealing rules to the extent of any
inconsistency.71ZA Removal of certain restrictions on dealings relating to
irrigation corporations(1) This section applies only in respect of regulated river (high
security) access licences and regulated river (general security) access
licences held by an irrigation corporation, but does not apply to any
subcategory of those categories of access licence.(2) The Minister may order an irrigation corporation to pay a civil
penalty under this section if:(a) any provision of its constitution, of any contract entered into by
it with a member of the corporation or of any other document associated with
the operation of the corporation (such as transfer rules of the corporation)
(b) the irrigation corporation conducts its operations so as to
arrangements being made for the reduction in the share component of an
access licence held by it for the purpose of permanently transferring a
member’s entitlement to water under the access licence to another access
licence that is not held by the irrigation
corporation.(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a provision referred to in
subsection (2) (a), or to the conduct of the operations of an irrigation
corporation in a manner, that prevents a transfer that would result in the
share component of an access licence held by the irrigation corporation being
reduced, in any period commencing on 1 July in any year and ending on 30 June
(inclusive) in the following year, by an amount of more than 4% of the share
component that applied to the access licence at the beginning of that
period.(4) If an irrigation corporation holds more than one access licence to
which this section applies, the percentage referred to in subsection (3) is to
be calculated on the basis of the combined share component of all of those
access licences held by the corporation.(5) The regulations may alter the percentage of share component
referred to in subsection (3).(6) A regulation that increases the percentage of the share component
applying under subsection (3) is to provide for the increase to take effect no
earlier than 6 months after the regulation
commences.(7) The Minister may order a civil penalty to be paid under this
section of an amount not exceeding $500,000 and a further civil penalty of an
amount not exceeding $20,000 to be paid for each day that the circumstances
giving rise to the initial civil penalty continue to
exist.(8) For the purpose of enabling compliance with subsection (2), an
irrigation corporation may amend any water supply contract to which it is a
party.(9) Any amendment of a water supply contract under subsection (8) is
to be notified by the irrigation corporation to the member of the corporation
who is a party to the contract and is taken to have been accepted by the
member when notification is served on the member.(10) No claim, action or demand may be made, asserted or taken against
an irrigation corporation for anything done by the corporation in accordance
with this section.(11) In this section, water supply
contract means a contract entered into by an irrigation corporation
with a member of the corporation relating to the supply of water to the member
by the corporation.Division 4A Devolution of, and tenancy arrangements and other
matters relating to, access licences72 Devolution of access licences(1) A person to whom an access licence or holding in an access licence
has devolved by operation of law may apply to the Minister in the approved
form to be recorded in the Access Register as the holder or a co-holder of the
licence or holding.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), such an application may be
made:(a) by an executor, administrator or other person claiming to be
entitled to be registered on the death, will or intestacy of the holder or
co-holder of the licence or holding, or otherwise, as the holder or co-holder,
(b) by or on behalf of a person who was a co-holder as joint tenant of
an access licence or holding in an access licence on the death of a person
recorded in the Access Register with the person as a co-holder as joint tenant
of the licence or holding, or
(c) by or on behalf of a person that a court has ordered is to be
recorded in the Access Register as the holder or co-holder of the licence or
(3) The application must be supported by such evidence of the
applicant’s entitlement to be recorded in the Access Register as a
holder or co-holder as the Minister may require.(4) The Minister is to record the person as the holder or co-holder of
the licence or holding:(a) if satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be recorded in the
Access Register as the holder or co-holder, and
(b) if nothing recorded in the Access Register prevents the
(5) This section applies to 2 or more persons to whom rights have
devolved in the same way as it applies to a single person to whom rights have
devolved.72A Special provisions relating to co-holdings in access
licences(1) Except as provided by subsection (2) and section 74, any dealing
in relation to an access licence that is held by co-holders requires the
consent of all of the co-holders and is taken to be a dealing with respect to
the whole of the licence (rather than to a holding in the
licence).(2) A holding in an access licence may only be the subject of a
dealing under section 71M (8) or 71N (11).73 Changes in co-holder’s tenancy
arrangements(1) A co-holder of an access licence (whether held as joint tenant or
tenant in common) may apply to the Minister in the approved form to record an
alteration in the way in which the licence is held by the co-holders (the
co-holder’s
tenancy arrangement) in the Access
Register.(2) The alteration to the co-holder’s tenancy arrangement takes
effect when it is recorded in the Access Register.(3) The Minister must not record the alteration unless:(a) each co-holder of the licence that is affected by the alteration
has consented to it being recorded, and
(b) any holder of a security interest over the licence or a holding in
the licence that is affected by the alteration has consented to it being
(4) Subsection (3) (a) does not apply where a joint tenant
unilaterally wishes to sever a joint tenancy by relinquishing the joint
tenancy.(5) The Minister may require an applicant to verify any information
provided for the purposes of this section by statutory
declaration.74 Exit from co-held access licence(1) On the application of one or more of the co-holders of an access
licence (the original
access licence), the Minister may consent to the extinguishment of
the holdings of one or more co-holders in the licence and the granting of a
new access licence in accordance with Schedule 1B.(2) If the Minister extinguishes holdings in the original licence and
grants a new access licence under subsection (1), the Minister is to reduce
the entitlements under the original access licence to the extent necessary to
reflect the entitlements conferred by the new
licence.(3) An application may not be made under subsection (1) without the
consent in writing of all of the co-holders of the access licence concerned or
of co-holders who hold a majority share of the holdings under the
licence.(4) On the application of one or more co-holders of an access licence,
the Supreme Court may, if it considers it just and equitable to do so, order
that the consent referred to in subsection (3) need not be obtained and may
make ancillary orders for the purposes of this
section.(5) When determining such an application where the water supply work
nominated by the access licence concerned is shared by some or all of the
co-holders of the licence, the Supreme Court is to take into consideration the
likely effect that the taking of action under subsection (1) would have on the
use of that work and the co-holders who have the benefit of
it.(6) This section does not apply to an access licence if:(a) there is any money due under this Act in respect of the access
licence, including any civil penalties imposed under this Act,
(b) the co-holders hold the licence as joint tenants,
(c) the access licence dealing principles or the access licence
dealing rules prevent an application being made under this
(7) Schedule 1B has effect.Division 5 Water return flows75 Water return flow rules(1) The regulations may establish water return flow rules for the
purposes of this Division.(2) Such a regulation may not be made except with the concurrence of
the Minister for Climate Change and the
Environment.76 Water allocations may be credited(1) Water allocations that have been used by the holder of an access
licence may be regained in accordance with this
section.(2) The holder of an access licence may apply to the Minister for used
water allocations to be recredited to the licence.(3) An application under this section is to be dealt with in
accordance with the water return flow rules.Division 6 Surrender, suspension, cancellation and compulsory
acquisition of access licences77 Surrender of access licences(1) The holder of an access licence may surrender the licence at any
time by notice in writing sent to the Minister.(2) In the case of an access licence in respect of which any third
party interest is entered on the Access Register of access licences, the
notice of surrender must be accompanied by documentary evidence that the
holder of that interest consents to the licence being
surrendered.(3) If the notice of surrender of an access licence provides that the
surrender is not to take effect until after a date specified in the notice,
the Minister is not to record the surrender under section 71A in the Access
Register before that date.(4) The Minister must record in the Access Register that the Minister
is the holder of the surrendered access licence.(5) Subsection (4) does not prevent the Minister from subsequently
dealing with a surrendered access licence in any manner that a holder of the
licence may deal with it (for example, transferring the
licence).77A Cancellation of access licences that can no longer be
used or are no longer required(1) The Minister is to cancel a supplementary water access licence
when the relevant management plan ceases to make provision for the extraction
of water under such an access licence.(2) The Minister is to cancel a specific purpose access licence if the
Minister is of the opinion that the purpose for which the licence was granted
no longer exists.(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply to an access licence in relation to
which action is taken by the Minister under section
8D.(3) The regulations may prescribe criteria which the Minister is to
consider when determining under subsection (2) whether the purpose for which a
specific purpose access licence was granted no longer
exists.(4) The Minister is to cancel an access licence of a category
prescribed by regulations referred to in section 57 (1) (l) (other than a
specific purpose access licence) if the regulations prescribe the period for
which such a licence is to have effect and the period has
expired.(5) The Minister is to cancel an access licence if the period for
which the licence is to have effect was specified in an order under section 65
and the period has expired.(6) The Minister may cancel any access licence of which the Minister
is the holder.78 Suspension and cancellation of access licences(1) The Minister may suspend or cancel an access licence on any one or
more of the following grounds:(a) that the holder of the licence has failed to comply with any term
or condition to which the licence is subject,
(b) that the holder of the licence has been convicted of an offence
(c) if any fees, charges or civil penalties in respect of the licence
have not been paid, whether or not those fees, charges or civil penalties were
incurred by the current holder of the licence,
(d) that the holder of the licence has failed to comply with any
direction given to the holder under this Act in connection with the
(e) that the licence was granted as a result of false, misleading or
materially inaccurate information supplied by or on behalf of the
(2) Instead of or in addition to suspending or cancelling an access
licence, the Minister may order a major utility or local water utility to pay
to the Minister a civil penalty of an amount not exceeding $500,000 and a
further civil penalty of an amount not exceeding $20,000 for each day that the
circumstances giving rise to the initial civil penalty continue to
exist.(3) During any period of suspension of an access licence:(a) the holder of the licence is not authorised by the licence to
order or take any water credited to the water allocation account for the
(b) the holder of the licence is not entitled to apply for the
registration of any dealing with respect to the licence,
(c) appropriate water allocations continue to accrue to the account
for the licence, and
(d) fees and charges payable under this Act in respect of the licence
(4) (Repealed)78A Notification of intention to suspend, cancel or require
payment of penalty(1) Action under section 77A or 78 may not be taken in relation to an
access licence unless the Minister:(a) has given written notice to the holder of the access licence, and
if there are security holders in relation to the access licence to those
security holders, that the Minister proposes to take such action,
(b) has given any such person that has been notified a reasonable
(2) Subsection (1) (b) and (c) do not apply to the cancellation of an
access licence under section 77A (1), (4), (5) or
(6).(3) Despite subsection (1), a security holder is not entitled to make
a submission in relation to the proposed suspension or cancellation of an
access licence other than a submission to the effect that the security holder
is prepared to make arrangements satisfactory to the Minister for the payment
of any outstanding fee, charge or civil penalty if such payment would result
in the Minister not proceeding with the suspension or
cancellation.79 Compulsory acquisition of access licences(1) The Minister may, by notice in writing served on their holders,
compulsorily acquire access licences if of the opinion that, in the special
circumstances of the case, the public interest requires their compulsory
acquisition.(2) A person from whom an access licence is compulsorily acquired
under subsection (1) is entitled to compensation from the State for the market
value of the licence as at the time it was compulsorily
acquired.(3) The amount of compensation payable is to be determined by
agreement between the Minister and the person entitled to compensation or, if
agreement cannot be reached, is to be determined by the
Valuer-General.(4) A person who is dissatisfied with the amount of compensation
offered to the person under this section, or with any delay in the payment of
compensation, may appeal to the Land and Environment
payment of compensation under this section.(6) Nothing in this section prevents the Ministerial Corporation from
acquiring an access licence by way of transfer.(7) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that a reduction of the
water entitlements and allocations under an access licence as a consequence of
a variation in the mandatory conditions of the licence does not constitute the
compulsory acquisition of an access licence or any part of an access
licence.Divisions 7, 8 80–83A(Repealed)Division 8A Register of available water determinations and
accounting for water84 Register of available water determinations(1) The Minister is to cause a register to be kept of each available
water determination made under section 59.(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the form
in which such a register is to be kept and the particulars that are to be
recorded in such a register.(3) The register must be made available for public inspection during
normal business hours at such places as may be prescribed by the
regulations.85 Keeping of water allocation accounts(1) For each access licence, the Minister is to cause an account to be
kept of:(a) the water allocations that are acquired under section 71T or 71V
in relation to the licence or otherwise credited from time to time to the
(b) the water allocations that are taken or assigned under section 71T
or 71V or otherwise debited or withdrawn from time to time in relation to the
(c) the water allocations that are recredited to the licence from time
to time under section 76.
(2) Water allocations are to be credited to the account for an access
licence in accordance with any relevant available water
determination.(3) Despite subsection (2), an amount of water may be credited to the
account for an access licence as a result of arrangements made with the
Minister for the early release of water by Snowy Hydro Limited. However, the
same amount of water as is so credited is to be debited subsequently in
accordance with the directions of the Minister.(4) The first amount of water to be credited to the account of an
access licence granted part of the way through an accounting period is to bear
the same proportion to the amount of available water that would be allocated
to the licence if it had existed for the whole of the accounting period as the
part of the accounting period remaining when the licence was granted bears to
the whole of the accounting period.(5) Water allocations in an account may be withdrawn by the Minister
to the extent provided by the relevant management plan, as referred to in
section 21 (c).(6) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the form
in which an account is to be kept under this section and the particulars that
are to be recorded in such an account.85A Authorisation to take water from uncontrolled
flows(1) This section applies to a water source in respect of which a
management plan makes provision for the taking of water from uncontrolled
flows.(2) The Minister may, by order in writing, authorise the holders of
regulated river (high security) access licences or regulated river (general
security) access licences, or both, that relate to a water source to which
this section applies to take water from the water source that has not been
credited to the accounts of those licences.(3) Such an order:(a) may only be made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant
management plan relating to the taking of water from uncontrolled flows,
(b) is to set out the water sharing provisions of the relevant
management plan that provide for the taking of water from uncontrolled flows,
(c) is to specify the circumstances in which water may be taken (for
example, in accordance with announcements made by the
(4) As soon as practicable after making such an order in respect of a
water source, the Minister must cause notice of the order to be published in
the Gazette and in an appropriate newspaper.(5) An order under this section takes effect when it is first
published in the Gazette or at such later time as may be specified in the
order.(6) The amount of water taken by the holder of an access licence in
accordance with an order under this section is to be noted in the account for
the licence.(7) The provisions of an order under this section have effect despite
any other provision of this Act relating to water sharing or to rules of
distribution of water (other than section 324).85B (Repealed)Division 9 Compensation relating to access
licences86 DefinitionsIn this Division:compensation includes
damages or any other form of monetary compensation.the
Crown means the Crown within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1988, and
includes any officer, employee or agent of the Crown.87 Compensation payable in certain circumstances for
management plan is in force(1) A holder of an access licence (other than a supplementary water
access licence) whose water allocations are reduced as a consequence of the
variation of a bulk access regime may claim compensation for loss suffered by
the holder as a consequence of that reduction.(2) Despite subsection (1), compensation may not be claimed if the
variation of the bulk access regime results from:(a) (Repealed)
(a1) a management plan that is made following the expiry of the
management plan that established the bulk access regime,
(b) a management plan that has been made on the basis of a draft
management plan prepared by a management committee, and is in the form in
which it was finally submitted to the Minister by the committee, as referred
to in section 41 (1) (a), or
(c) an amendment of a management plan by the Minister under section 45
that is authorised by the plan or that is required to give effect to a
decision of the Land and Environment Court relating to the validity of the
(d) an amendment made by an Act to a management
manner and form in which such a claim is to be
made.(4) The Minister may determine whether or not compensation should be
paid and, if so, the amount of any such compensation and the manner and timing
of any such payments.(5) The amount of any such compensation is to be determined on the
advice of the Valuer-General.(6) In formulating advice for the Minister, the Valuer-General is to
have regard to the market value of the water foregone to the claimant for
compensation as a consequence of the variation of the bulk access
regime.(7) A person who is dissatisfied with the amount of compensation
Court.(8) Payment of compensation under this section is to be made out of
the Consolidated Fund which is, to the extent necessary, appropriated
accordingly.(9) Despite the other provisions of this section, compensation may be
claimed under this section only in respect of a reduction in water allocations
occurring during the period for which the first management plan that
established the bulk access regime concerned is in force (excluding any period
for which that plan is extended under section 43A
(1)).87AA Compensation payable in certain circumstances for
plan is in force(1) This section applies to the following categories and subcategories
of access licence:(a) regulated river (high security) access
(c) Murrumbidgee Irrigation (conveyance) access
(d) Coleambally Irrigation (conveyance) access
(e) unregulated river access licences,
(f) aquifer access licences,
(g) any other category or subcategory of access licence that is
prescribed by the regulations (other than supplementary water access licences
or specific purpose access licences).
(2) A holder of an access licence to which this section applies whose
water allocations are reduced because of a change to provisions of the
relevant management plan dealing with water sharing is entitled to
compensation as assessed by the Minister in accordance with subsections (5)
and (6).(3) Despite subsection (2), the holder of an access licence is not
entitled to compensation under this section if:(a) the reduction in water allocations occurred while the first
management plan (excluding any period for which that plan was extended under
section 43A (1)) was in force, or
(b) the reduction in water allocations occurred as a result of an
amendment of a management plan by the Minister under section 45 that is
authorised by the plan or that is required to give effect to a decision of the
Land and Environment Court relating to the validity of the plan,
(c) the reduction in water allocations is for the purpose of restoring
water to the environment because of natural reductions in inflow to the water
source, including but not limited to changes resulting from climate change,
drought or bushfires.
(4) A reference in subsection (2) to a change in the provisions of a
management plan includes a change between the provisions of the management
plan concerned and provisions of the management plan that it
replaced.(5) Compensation is payable to the holder of an access licence whose
water allocations are reduced because of a change in the provisions of a
management plan as a result of an amendment that is specified under section 46
(1) (c) by the Minister as due to a change in State government
policy.(6) Compensation is payable as follows for a reduction in water
allocations that is specified under section 46 (1) (b) by the Minister as
being for the purpose of providing additional water to the environment because
of more accurate scientific knowledge that demonstrates that the amount
previously allocated to the environment is inadequate:(a) no compensation is payable for reductions of 3% or
(b) compensation is payable for reductions of more than 3% over any
10-year period commencing on or after the expiration of the period for which
the first management plan for the relevant area was in force (including any
period for which that plan was extended under section 43A
(c) only one third of the compensation payable for a reduction of more
than 3% but not more than 6% over any applicable 10-year period is liable to
be paid under this section,
(d) only one half of the compensation payable for a reduction of more
than 6% over any applicable 10-year period is liable to be paid under this
(7) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the
following:(a) the basis on which reductions in water allocations are to be
calculated or the method of determining such reductions for the purposes of
(b) the basis on which compensation is to be calculated or the method
for calculating the payment of compensation for the purposes of this
(c) the manner and time of payment of
(8) This section has effect in relation to water sources that are
Basin water resources only while there is in force an agreement between the
State and the Commonwealth (separate from the agreement referred to in
subsection (8A)) for or with respect to supplementing the payment of
compensation under this section.(8A) This section has effect in relation to water sources that are not
subsection (8)) for or with respect to supplementing the payment of
compensation under this section.(9) Despite any other provision of this section, no compensation is
payable under this section in respect of a reduction in water allocations of a
kind referred to in subsection (6) if the Commonwealth has not provided
funding in respect of that reduction to meet its obligations under the
agreements referred to in subsections (8) and (8A).(10) A person may appeal to the Land and Environment Court on the
ground that the person is entitled to the payment of compensation under this
section but has not been determined as being entitled to any
compensation.87AB Compensation is not payable in relation to certain
conduct(1) Compensation is not payable by or on behalf of the Crown in
respect of any relevant conduct in relation to a management
plan.(2) In this section, relevant
conduct, in relation to a management plan, means an act or omission
occurring before the commencement of the management plan in respect of the
content, effect or State government policy concerning the management plan,
including the following:(a) any act or omission, whether unconscionable, misleading, deceptive
(b) a representation of any kind, whether made verbally or in writing
and whether negligent, false, misleading or
(3) This section has effect despite section
87.(4) In this section, a reference to a management plan includes a
reference to an amendment of a management plan.87A No compensation payable in relation to access
licenceNo compensation is payable by or on behalf of the Crown to any
person who suffers loss or damage because of any of the following:(a) the suspension or cancellation of an access
(b) any error, misdescription or omission in the Access
(c) the registration in the Access Register of any person as the
holder of an access licence or a security interest in an access
(d) the registration of a caveat in the Access
Division 10 Miscellaneous87B Access licence certificate(1) The Minister may from time to time issue a certificate in the
approved form in respect of an access licence (an access
licence certificate).(2) If the Minister issues an access licence certificate, the Minister
must cancel, wholly or partially as the case requires, any access licence
certificate superseded by the new certificate that is available to the
Minister. For that purpose, the Minister may require production to the
Minister of the superseded certificate.(3) If an access licence certificate is lost, mislaid or destroyed,
the person to whom it was issued (or a person having legal authority to act on
the person’s behalf) may apply in the approved form to the Minister for
the issue of a new access licence certificate.(4) The application is to be supported by such evidence as the
Minister may require.(5) The Minister may, if satisfied that an access licence certificate
has been lost, mislaid or destroyed, issue a new access licence certificate or
new access licence certificates for the licence or holding in an access
licence to which the lost, mislaid or destroyed certificate relates and may
record in the Access Register that the new certificate or certificates have
been issued.87C Offences with respect to the Access Register(1) A person must not:(a) fraudulently obtain, or assist in fraudulently obtaining:(i) the issue or delivery of an access licence certificate,
(ii) a recording in the Access Register, or
(iii) any alteration in any instrument or approved form issued by the
(b) fraudulently use, or assist in fraudulently using, any approved
form issued by the Minister, or
(c) by any false statement or misrepresentation obtain, or attempt to
obtain, an access licence certificate or instrument evidencing any matter that
may be recorded in the Access Register.
Tier 2 penalty.(2) Any recording in the Access Register obtained in contravention of
this section is void as between all parties to the
fraud.88 Regulations(1) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the
following matters:(a) the procedures to be followed in relation to the making of
applications under this Part,
(b) the procedures to be followed in relation to the granting and
transfer of access licences,
(c) the procedures to be followed in relation to the transfer of water
allocations under an access licence,
(d) the procedures to be followed in relation to the recrediting of
water allocations under an access licence,
(e) the recording of any dealing, caveat, security interest,
devolution, change in co-holder’s tenancy arrangements or other matter
in relation to an access licence or holding in an access licence in the Access
(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (e), the regulations may, for the
purposes of this Part, apply, adopt or incorporate, whether with or without
modification, any provision of the Real
Property Act 1900 or the regulations made under that
Act.(3) The regulations may exclude a specified class of licence granted
under this Act from the operation of section 11 (1) (h) of the Duties Act
1997.Part 3 ApprovalsDivision 1 Preliminary88A Application of Part(1) This Part applies to:(a) each part of the State or each water source,
(b) each type or kind of approval that relates to that part of the
State or that water source,
source, and type or kind of approval, to which this Part
110 of 1.7.2004, p 5004; No 120 of 29.9.2006, p 8441; No 127 of 27.10.2006, pp
8906, 8907; No 83 of 29.6.2007, p 3967; No 10 of 25.1.2008, p 151; No 11 of
31.1.2008, p 213; No 76 of 27.6.2008, p 5871; No 93 of 26.6.2009, p 3581 and
No 109 of 31.7.2009, p 4665.(2) Despite subsection (1), specified provisions of this Part may be
accordingly.89 Water use approvals(1) A water use approval confers a right on its holder to use water
for a particular purpose at a particular location.(2) A water use approval may authorise the use within New South Wales
of water taken from a water source outside New South
Wales.90 Water management work approvals(1) There are three kinds of water management work approvals, namely,
water supply work approvals, drainage work approvals and flood work
approvals.(2) A water supply work approval authorises its holder to construct
and use a specified water supply work at a specified
location.(3) A drainage work approval confers a right on its holder to
construct and use a specified drainage work at a specified
location.(4) A flood work approval confers a right on its holder to construct
and use a specified flood work at a specified
location.91 Activity approvals(1) There are two kinds of activity approvals, namely, controlled
activity approvals and aquifer interference
approvals.(2) A controlled activity approval confers a right on its holder to
carry out a specified controlled activity at a specified location in, on or
under waterfront land.(3) An aquifer interference approval confers a right on its holder to
carry out one or more specified aquifer interference activities at a specified
location, or in a specified area, in the course of carrying out specified
activities.Note. Examples of where an aquifer interference approval may be needed
include mining operations, road construction and any other large scale
activity that involves excavation.Division 1A Offences91A Using water without, or otherwise than as authorised by,
a water use approval(1) A person:(a) who uses water from a water source to which this Part applies,
(b) who does not hold a water use approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) A holder of a water use approval who uses water from a water
source to which this Part applies:(a) otherwise than as authorised by the approval,
(b) if an access licence specifies or restricts the purposes for which
the water may be used, otherwise than as authorised by the
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a person uses water otherwise
than as authorised by a water use approval if the person uses water while the
approval is suspended.(4) This section does not apply to water that is supplied by a major
utility, local water utility or irrigation corporation or by a private
irrigation board or private water trust holding a water use approval for the
use concerned.91B Constructing or using water supply work without, or
otherwise than as authorised by, a water supply work approval(1) A person:(a) who constructs or uses a water supply work,
(b) who does not hold a water supply work approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) A holder of a water supply work approval who constructs or uses a
water supply work otherwise than as authorised by the approval is guilty of an
offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a person constructs or uses a
water supply work otherwise than as authorised by a water supply work approval
if the person constructs or uses such a work while the approval is
suspended.(4) This section does not prevent a person from constructing or using
a drainage work or flood work in accordance with a drainage work approval or
flood work approval.91C Constructing or using drainage work without, or otherwise
than as authorised by, a drainage work approval(1) A person:(a) who constructs or uses a drainage work, and
(b) who does not hold a drainage work approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) The holder of a drainage work approval who constructs or uses a
drainage work otherwise than as authorised by the approval is guilty of an
drainage work otherwise than as authorised by a drainage work approval if the
person constructs or uses such a work while the approval is
a water supply work or flood work in accordance with a water supply work
approval or flood work approval.91D Constructing or using flood work without, or otherwise
than as authorised by, a flood work approval(1) A person:(a) who constructs or uses a flood work, and
(b) who does not hold a flood work approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) The holder of a flood work approval who constructs or uses a flood
work in or in the vicinity of a river or lake, or within a floodplain,
otherwise than as authorised by the approval is guilty of an
flood work otherwise than as authorised by a flood work approval if the person
constructs or uses such a work while the approval is
a water supply work or drainage work in accordance with a water supply work
approval or drainage work approval.91E Carrying out controlled activity without, or otherwise
than as authorised by, a controlled activity approval(1) A person:(a) who carries out a controlled activity in, on or under waterfront
(b) who does not hold a controlled activity approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) The holder of a controlled activity approval who carries out a
controlled activity in, on or under waterfront land otherwise than as
authorised by the approval is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a person carries out a controlled
activity otherwise than as authorised by a controlled activity approval if the
person carries out such an activity while the approval is
suspended.(4) This section does not prevent a person:(a) from constructing and using a water management work in accordance
with a water management work approval, or
(b) from carrying out an aquifer interference activity in accordance
with an aquifer interference approval.
91F Carrying out aquifer interference activity without, or
otherwise than as authorised by, an aquifer interference approval(1) A person:(a) who carries out an aquifer interference activity,
(b) who does not hold an aquifer interference approval for that
is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(2) The holder of an aquifer interference approval who carries out an
aquifer interference activity otherwise than as authorised by the approval is
guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a person carries out an aquifer
interference activity otherwise than as authorised by an aquifer interference
approval if the person carries out such an activity while the approval is
(b) from carrying out a controlled activity in accordance with a
controlled activity approval, or
(c) from using a building or work that has been erected or carried out
in accordance with a controlled activity approval.
91G Contravention of terms and conditions of
approvalA person who constructs or uses a water management work, or
carries out a controlled activity or aquifer interference activity, pursuant
to an approval is guilty of an offence if the person contravenes any term or
condition of the approval.Tier 2 penalty.91H Failure to install or maintain metering
equipment(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person fails to install
any metering equipment that, pursuant to:(a) the conditions of an access licence or approval,
(b) a direction under section 326,
the person is required to install in connection with a water supply work
or drainage work.Tier 2 penalty.(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person fails to ensure the
proper operation of any metering equipment that, pursuant to:(a) the conditions of an access licence or approval,
or drainage work.Tier 2 penalty.91I Taking water when metering equipment not
working(1) A person:(a) who takes water from a water source to which this Part applies by
means of a metered work while its metering equipment is not operating properly
or is not operating, and
(b) who intentionally or negligently fails to ascertain whether the
metering equipment is operating properly,
applies by means of a metered work while its metering equipment is not
operating properly or is not operating is guilty of an offence.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if:(a) the person is authorised by the Minister in writing to take water
by means of a metered work while its metering equipment is not operating
properly or is not operating, and
(b) the water is taken in accordance with any conditions specified in
the authorisation and any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the
(4) In this section, metered work
means a water supply work in connection with which metering equipment has been
installed pursuant to:(a) the conditions of an access licence or approval,
(b) a direction under section 326.
91J Failure to keep metering recordsA person is guilty of an offence if the person fails to keep
metering records that, pursuant to:(a) the conditions of an access licence or approval,
the person is required to keep in connection with a water supply work or
drainage work.Tier 2 penalty.91K Meter tampering(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person interferes with,
damages, destroys or disconnects any metering equipment that has been
installed in connection with a water supply work or drainage work, and does so
intentionally or recklessly.Tier 1 penalty.(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person interferes with,
installed in connection with a water supply work or drainage
work.Tier 2 penalty.(3) Without limiting subsections (1) and (2), a person interferes with
metering equipment if the person unseals any sealed component of the
equipment, blocks any part of the equipment, attaches to the equipment any
device that is likely to affect the operation of the equipment or disconnects
the equipment from its source of power.(4) This section does not apply to anything that a duly qualified
person does to metering equipment for the sole purpose of maintaining,
repairing or replacing the equipment.(5) In this section, duly qualified
person means a person who has such qualifications, skills and
experience as are prescribed by the regulations.91L Liability of occupier of premises for certain
offences(1) The occupier of premises at which:(a) a water management work has been constructed or used in
contravention of a provision of this Division, or
(b) a controlled activity or aquifer interference activity has been
carried out in contravention of a provision of this
is taken to have contravened that provision.(2) However, subsection (1) does not apply if it is established
that:(a) the work was constructed or used, or the activity was carried out,
by a person other than the occupier, and
the work was constructed or used or the activity was carried out,
(c) the occupier took all reasonable steps to prevent the work being
constructed or used or the activity being carried
the occupier.(3) Subsection (1) does not prevent proceedings being taken under this
offence.91M General defence(1) It is a defence to a prosecution under this Division in relation
to the doing of anything without an approval if the accused person
establishes:(a) that the water was taken pursuant to a basic landholder right,
regulations, from any requirement for an approval in relation to the doing of
(3) This Division does not prevent a person from doing anything
pursuant to an entitlement in force under the Water Act 1912, where entitlement has
the same meaning as it has in Schedule 10.Division 2 Applications for approvals92 Applications for approvals(1) Subject to any embargo, any person may apply for an
approval.(2) An application for an approval must be made to the Minister in
accordance with the regulations.(3) The regulations may require the application to be accompanied by a
management program for the land to which the application
relates.(4) An application may relate to more than one approval, whether of
the same or of a different kind, unless the Minister requires a separate
application to be made in relation to one or more of
them.(5) The Minister:(a) may require an applicant for an approval to provide additional
information would be relevant to consideration of the application,
(6) The Minister may refuse to accept an application for an approval
if it appears to the Minister that the application is
incomplete.(7) The regulations may require any application, or any specified
class of applications, to be advertised.(8) (Repealed)Note. Approvals are listed in section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
1979. Development that requires an approval is consequently
integrated development for the purposes of that Act.93 Objections to applications for approvals(1) Any person may, in accordance with the regulations, object to the
granting of an approval that has been advertised pursuant to section
92.(2) The Minister must inform the applicant for an approval of the
grounds of any objection to the granting of the approval and must allow the
enable the deficiency to be rectified.(5) Before making a decision on an application for the approval in
respect of which any objection has been made, the Minister must endeavour to
resolve the issues raised by the objection by means of consultation with the
applicant and the objector, with a view to reaching agreement on the matters
raised by the objection.(6) For the purpose of reaching such an agreement, the Minister may
appointed by agreement between the applicant, the objector and the
Minister.(7) The costs of any such mediation or neutral evaluation are to be
paid for by the Minister.(8) An application or objection may be dismissed by the Minister if
(6).94 Determination of applications affected by reviews by
Planning Assessment Commission(1) This section applies to any application for an approval in respect
of which the Planning Assessment Commission has given notice of a review under
Act 1979 to the Minister before the Minister makes a decision
on the application.(2) The Minister:(a) must refer to the Planning Assessment Commission:(i) the application (including any information furnished in relation
to the application), and
(ii) any objection to the application (including any information
furnished in relation to the objection),
whether the application or objection is made or lodged before or after
the notice is received, and
(b) must defer making any decision on the application until it
receives the Commission’s report under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
(3) In making a decision on the application, the Minister must have
regard to the findings and recommendations contained in the Commission’s
report under the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979.(4) (Repealed)95 Determination of applications(1) After considering an application and all matters relevant to the
application, the Minister is to determine the application:(a) by granting the approval to which the application relates,
(2) The Minister may, with the consent of the applicant
concerned:(a) grant a combined approval instead of separate approvals in
relation to more than one type of approval or in relation to more than one
use, work or activity or type or kind of use, work or activity,
(b) combine a new approval with an existing approval so long as the
period for which the new approval is granted expires at the same time as the
period for which the existing approval was granted.
(3) An approval may not be granted in contravention of the provisions
of any relevant management plan.(4) An approval is to be in such form as the Minister may
determine.(5) An approval takes effect:(a) at the end of the time permitted by section 368 (3) for making an
appeal with respect to the decision to grant the approval,
(b) if an appeal is made against the decision within that time, at the
time the appeal is finally disposed of.
96 Matters affecting consideration of applicationsIn considering whether or not to grant an approval, the Minister
must take into account:(a) such matters as are prescribed by the regulations,
97 Grounds of refusal of certain applications(1) A water use approval is not to be granted unless the Minister is
satisfied that adequate arrangements are in force to ensure that no more than
minimal harm will be done to any water source, or its dependent ecosystems, as
a consequence of the proposed use of water on the land in respect of which the
approval is to be granted.(2) A water management work approval is not to be granted unless the
Minister is satisfied that adequate arrangements are in force to ensure that
no more than minimal harm will be done to any water source, or its dependent
ecosystems, as a consequence of the construction or use of the proposed water
management work.(3) (Repealed)(4) A controlled activity approval is not to be granted unless the
no more than minimal harm will be done to any waterfront land as a consequence
of the carrying out of the proposed controlled
activity.(5) A water management work approval for a water management work that
is, or is proposed to be, situated on land not owned by the applicant is not
to be granted unless the Minister is satisfied:(a) that the applicant is likely to become the owner of the land
(b) that the land is subject to an easement that authorises the
construction and use of such a work for the benefit of the applicant’s
(c) that the applicant is otherwise entitled (whether under this or
any other Act or under an agreement applying to the land) to construct and use
(6) An aquifer interference approval is not to be granted unless the
no more than minimal harm will be done to the aquifer, or its dependent
ecosystems, as a consequence of its being interfered with in the course of the
activities to which the approval relates.98 Notice of decisionAfter determining an application under this Division, the Minister
the application relates to an approval that has been advertised pursuant to
section 92, to each person who has made an objection to the Minister in
connection with the application.99 Procedures in relation to integrated
development(1) In this section, consent
authority, development
consent and integrated
development have the same meanings as they have in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
1979.(2) The provisions of this Act with respect to the advertising of an
application for an approval do not apply if the application relates to
integrated development.(3) If a consent authority grants development consent to integrated
development, either as a consequence of having obtained the general terms of
any approval proposed to be issued by the Minister or as a consequence of the
Minister having failed to inform the consent authority as to whether or not an
approval will be granted:(a) no person has any right to lodge an objection under this Act to
the granting of the approval, and
(b) no person has any right under this Act to appeal to the Land and
Environment Court against the granting of the
(4) Subsection (3) (b) does not affect any right of appeal to which an
objector may be entitled under section 98 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
1979.Division 3 Conditions and duration of approvals100 Conditions of approval generally(1) An approval is subject to such conditions as the Minister may from
time to time impose:(a) which must include such conditions as are required to be imposed
on the approval by this Act or by any relevant management plan (mandatory
and objector under section 93 (5), and
(1A) Mandatory conditions do not have effect in relation to an approval
unless they are included in the terms of the
approval.(2) A mandatory condition prevails over a discretionary condition to
the extent of any inconsistency between them.(3) Without limiting the types of conditions relating to the
protection of the environment that the Minister may impose under this section
on a water management work approval, those conditions may include conditions
relating to any or all of the following matters:(a) the undertaking of an investigation of the environmental impact of
cold water releases and the options for mitigation of that
(b) the preparation of a program to mitigate the impact of cold water
releases and the obtaining of approval to the program from the
(c) the implementation of the program,
(d) the monitoring and reporting on actions taken to implement the
program and the impact of those actions on the
(e) the carrying out of new works or the making of alterations to
existing works, or both,
(f) the method of operation of water management
Note. If a management plan or Minister’s plan is replaced or
amended during the term of an approval, the mandatory conditions applying to
the approval may vary.101 Conditions of approval for joint schemes(1) This section applies to a water management work approval granted
in relation to a joint scheme, that is, a scheme under which landholders of
different parcels of land hold a single water management work approval for a
water management work located on, passing through or otherwise benefiting or
affecting those parcels.(2) A water management work approval for a water management work the
subject of a joint scheme is subject to such conditions as the regulations
require and to such other conditions as the landholders concerned
agree.(3) A regulation referred to in subsection (2) may impose conditions,
in relation to the rights and duties of the landholders concerned in the joint
scheme, with respect to the following matters:(a) the granting of access to the work,
(b) the operation of the work,
(c) the apportionment of water supplied by means of the
(d) the apportionment of the cost of constructing and maintaining the
(e) the apportionment of such other costs with respect to work as are
(f) the exclusion of land from the joint
102 Imposition or variation of conditions after approval is
granted(1) The Minister may impose discretionary conditions on an approval
after it has been granted, or may vary a discretionary condition, but only if
the Minister:(a) has given written notice to the holder of the approval that the
Minister proposes to impose such conditions or make such a variation,
(b) has given the holder of the approval a reasonable opportunity to
make submissions to the Minister with respect to the proposed conditions or
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to conditions imposed on an
approval, or a variation made, at the request of or with the consent of the
holder of the approval.(3) Mandatory conditions are to be imposed on an approval whenever it
becomes necessary to do so in order to give effect to a relevant management
plan.(4) The Minister must cause written notice of any conditions imposed
or variation made under this section to be served on the holder of the
approval concerned.(5) A condition or variation referred to in subsection (4) takes
effect on the day on which the notice referred to in that subsection is served
on the holder of the approval or on such later day as may be specified in the
notice in that regard.103 Revocation of conditionsThe Minister may at any time revoke any discretionary conditions
to which an approval is subject, whether or not on the application of the
holder of the approval.104 Duration of approval(1) Subject to this section, an approval has effect for such period as
is specified in the approval (being a period not exceeding 10 years) or, if
the period of the approval is extended under section 105, that extended
period.(2) An approval granted to a major utility or a local water utility
has effect for a period of 20 years or, if that 20-year period is extended
under section 105, that extended period.(3) A water supply work approval for a bore that is used solely for
accessing water to which the holder is entitled as a basic landholder right
(other than water from the Great Artesian Basin) has effect until it is
cancelled.(4) If an application for extension of an approval is lodged before
the approval expires, the term of the expiring approval is extended
until:(a) the date of the final decision on the application,
(b) a date fixed by the Minister for the
whichever is the later date.(5) If:(a) an approval expires without an application for its extension being
(b) an application for its extension is subsequently made by the
former holder of an approval and is accompanied by a statutory declaration of
the reasons for the delay in making the application, and
(c) the reasons are accepted by the
the term of the approval is taken to have been extended, and the
application may be dealt with, as if the application had been made before the
approval expired.105 Extension of approvals(1) The holder of an approval may, in accordance with the regulations,
apply for an extension of the period for which the approval has
effect.(2) A period for which an approval has effect may be extended more
than once under this section, but each extension may not exceed the period for
which an approval of that type could have originally been
granted.(3) An application for an extension must be granted unless:(a) the relevant management plan provides, or the regulations provide,
that an extension of such an approval must be assessed as if it were an
application for a new approval, or
(b) the application is required to be refused under subsection
(4) An application for an extension must be refused if:(a) in the case of a water use approval, the applicant has not
certified that the extension is necessary because the particular purpose for
which the approval was granted still exists, or
(b) in the case of a water management work approval, the Minister is
not satisfied that the applicant complies with section 97 (5),
(c) the applicant has not certified that the terms and conditions of
the approval have been complied with.
(5) If assessment of an application for extension of an approval (the
approval) is required, the provisions of section 92 (2)–(6)
apply to the application and the application is to be assessed as if the
application were an application for the granting of a new approval to
authorise:(a) in the case of a water use approval, the continuing use of the
water for the particular purpose and at the particular location specified in
the original approval, or
(b) in the case of a water management work approval, the continuing
maintenance and use of the work to which the original approval relates,
(c) in the case of an activity approval, the continuing carrying out
of the activity to which the original approval relates in the same location or
area specified in the original approval.
106 Land benefited by approval(1) An approval is taken to be held by, and for the benefit of, each
successive landholder for the time being of the land specified in the approval
as the land benefited by the approval.(2) While the approval is in force, each such landholder:(a) is under a duty to comply with the conditions to which the
approval is subject, and
(b) is entitled to commence and maintain legal proceedings against any
co-holder of the approval with respect to that co-holder’s failure to
comply with those conditions.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a major utility, local water
utility, irrigation corporation, private irrigation board, private drainage
board or private water trust is taken to be a landholder of land in respect of
which a water use approval or water management work approval held by it is in
force.(4) This section does not apply in such circumstances, or to such
types or kinds of approvals, as may be prescribed by the
regulations.Division 4 Amendment, surrender, suspension and cancellation
of approvals107 Amendment of approvals(1) On the application of the holder of an approval, the Minister may
amend the approval.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an approval may be amended to
alter, add to or reduce any of the uses, works, activities or land to which
the approval relates.(3) An amendment of an approval must not result in the approval
relating to any additional land, or authorising the extension, construction or
use of a water management work on any additional land, unless the additional
land adjoins the land to which the unamended approval relates and is lawfully
occupied by the holder of the approval.(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to an amendment to an approval in
respect of a joint scheme (referred to in section 101 (1)) that results in the
approval applying to additional land.(5) If the granting of an application under this section would result
in the approval concerned relating to additional uses, works, activities or
land, the application is to be advertised, assessed and determined in
accordance with this Part in the same way as an application for a new
approval, but only in relation to the additional uses, works, activities or
land.(6) In considering any application under this section, the Minister is
to have regard to any order of the Supreme Court under section 74 that affects
the matters covered by the application.108 Surrender of approvals(1) The holder of an approval may surrender the approval at any time
by notice in writing sent to the Minister.(2) The surrender takes effect on the date on which the notice is
received by the Minister or such later date as is specified in the
notice.109 Suspension and cancellation of approvals(1) The Minister may suspend or cancel an approval on any one or more
of the following grounds:(a) that the holder of the approval has failed to comply with any term
or condition to which the approval is subject,
(b) that the holder of the approval has been convicted of an offence
(c) that the holder of the approval has failed to make due payment
with respect to any fee or charge that is payable under this Act in relation
to the approval,
(c1) in the case of an approval granted in relation to a water supply
work, if:(i) the holder of the approval is also the holder of an access licence
for which the water supply work has been nominated under section 71W (Access
licence may nominate water supply works), and
(ii) the holder of the access licence has failed to make due payment
with respect to any fees, charges or civil penalties that are payable in
respect of the licence (whether or not those fees, charges or civil penalties
were incurred by the current holder of the
approval),
(c2) in the case of an approval granted in relation to a water supply
work referred to in section 104 (3), if:(i) the holder of the approval cannot, on the written request of the
Minister, demonstrate that the bore the subject of the approval is being
maintained in accordance with the conditions of the approval,
(ii) the bore has been decommissioned,
(d) in the case of an approval granted in relation to a water
management work, the holder of the approval has failed to comply with any
(e) that the approval was granted as a result of false, misleading or
(2) Instead of or in addition to suspending or cancelling an approval,
the Minister may order a major utility to pay to the Minister a civil penalty
not exceeding $500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further
penalty not exceeding $20,000 for each day for which the offence
continues.(3) Action under this section may not be taken in relation to an
approval unless the Minister:(a) has given written notice to the holder of the approval that the
Minister proposes to take such action, and
make submissions to the Minister with respect to the proposed action,
Division 5 Embargoes on applications for approvals110 Temporary embargo(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare an
embargo on the making of applications for approvals with respect to any water
management area.(1A) Such an order may apply to the whole of a water management area or
to any specified part of a water management area, and to approvals generally
or to any specified type or kind of approvals.(2) An order under this section may relate to all applications, to
applications of a specified kind or to all applications other than
applications of a specified kind.(3) As soon as practicable after an order under this section is
published in the Gazette, notice of the order must be published in an
appropriate newspaper.(4) An order under this section takes effect at the beginning of the
date on which it is published in the Gazette and, unless sooner revoked,
expires at the end of 2 years after that date.111 Permanent embargo(1) The Governor may, by proclamation published in the Gazette,
declare an embargo on the making of applications for approvals with respect to
any water management area.(1A) Such a proclamation may apply to the whole of a water management
area or to any specified part of a water management area, and to approvals
generally or to any specified type or kind of
approvals.(2) A proclamation under this section may relate to all applications,
to applications of a specified kind or to all applications other than
applications of a specified kind.(3) As soon as practicable after a proclamation under this section is
published in the Gazette, notice of the proclamation must be published in an
appropriate newspaper.(4) A proclamation under this section takes effect at the beginning of
the date on which it is published in the Gazette and continues in force until
it is revoked by a further proclamation so
published.112 Operation of embargo(1) An embargo applies to any application for an approval made on or
after the date on which the embargo took effect, other than:(a) an application to amend an application made before that date,
(b) an application for the extension of the period for which an
approval has effect, or
(c) any other application of a kind prescribed by the
(2) An application to which an embargo applies is a nullity and is not
revived merely because the embargo is subsequently
revoked.Division 6 Registers113 Register of approvals(1) The Minister is to cause a register to be kept of:(a) every application for an approval that is duly made under this
(b) every approval that is granted, extended, amended, surrendered,
suspended or cancelled under this Act, and
(c) every agreement entered into by landholders under section 101
(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the form
regulations.Part 4 Finance114 Minister may impose fees and charges(1) The Minister may impose fees and charges for the purposes of this
Act.Note. Under the Independent Pricing
and Regulatory Tribunal Act 1992, any fees and charges imposed
by the Minister under this section cannot exceed any relevant determination
made by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.(2) The Minister may waive or reduce any such fee or charge in a
particular case or class of cases if the Minister is of the opinion that the
circumstances warrant it.115 (Repealed) Top of page