Moratorium notices
Section 26 of the Water Act 2000 (Qld) (Water Act) provides for the publishing of moratorium (or suspension) notices. This provision enables the government to protect natural ecosystems or existing water entitlements and other authorities to take or interfere with water.
The notices specify particular applications that will not be accepted or dealt with while the notice has effect. These applications usually relate to the take or interference with water and development of works to take or interfere with water.
While a moratorium is in place, the government strives to minimise disruption of normal farming activities. The Water Act provides for landholders to continue to have access to water for stock and domestic requirements.
The moratorium notice may state that an application for a water entitlement will not be accepted or dealt with if granting it would:
- increase the amount of water you may take
- change the location from which you may take water
- increase the rate at which you may take water
- change the flow conditions under which you may take water
- increase or change the interference with the water
- change the purpose for which you may take or interfere with the water.
For water in the part of the state to which the notice applies, including overland flow and subartesian water, the notice may also state that while the moratorium notice has effect:
- you must not start new works
- you must not raise, enlarge, deepen or change completed works
- works you have started
- may be completed only to the extent stated in the notice
- must be completed by the day stated in the notice.
It is an offence under the Water Act to construct works in contravention of a moratorium notice.
Though water resource plans are not moratorium notices, some continue the effect of a moratorium notice either wholly or partly.
The latest information on moratorium notices can be found in the relevant catchment or planning area.
Amended moratorium notices
Under s29 of the Water Act 2000 moratorium notices may be amended to provide for any matter which could have been provided for in the moratorium notice.
| Amending moratorium notice | Notes |
|---|---|
| Amending moratorium notice Cape York Peninsula (PDF, 79K)* | The previous amendment moratorium notice published on 23 July 2008 was replaced by an amendment moratorium notice (PDF, 79K)* that removes the Wenlock Basin from the moratorium area. This took effect from 10 December 2008. |
If you have difficulty downloading the document above or would like a copy sent by mail, please contact:
Water Services Support
Department of Natural Resources and Mines
PO Box 15216
City East Qld 4002
Phone: 07 3224 7460
Email: WaterManagementPolicy@dnrm.qld.gov.au
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Last updated 31 August 2012
