Water resource compliance
To ensure all Queenslanders benefit from the productive, sustainable use of the State's water resources we focus on the fair allocation of these resources and protecting the rights of water users across the state.
To protect these rights we help water users comply with the law and minimise the unlawful take or use of water by creating a proactive atmosphere of compliance.
We ensure the right tools and officers are in place to educate water users, we monitor water take effectively, and we work with and assist the community to comply with water resource regulations.
This information is primarily intended for rural water users.
In this guide:
National water Compliance Framework
Statistics of offences under the Water Act 2000
National Water Compliance Framework
A best-practice education program is being implemented and we have increased the numbers of regional officers responsible for monitoring and evaluating water users' compliance with the Water Act 2000.
To focus our compliance efforts in the right areas, water resources across the state have been assessed and categorised for risk. Monitoring levels will be greater in areas where the pressure on the water resource is the greatest.
Queensland legislation will be reviewed and amended where needed, to support nationally consistent best practice compliance, and to ensure water resources laws are consistent with Queensland's wider environment and natural resource management laws.
We will consider and update, if necessary, the procedures, policies and training to support our water compliance activities, and publish annual compliance statistics, strategies and plans.
This approach is consistent with the Council of Australian Governments' National Framework for Compliance and Enforcement Systems for Water Resource Management, which Queensland has signed.
Queensland's implementation will further secure water entitlements, and help Queensland prevent and respond to illegal activities, such as the unlawful take of rural water.
Statistics of offences under the Water Act 2000
The Annual Statistical Compliance Report provides details and numbers relating to water compliance activities and actions undertaken in Queensland.
- Statistical compliance report 2011-12 (PDF, 152K)*
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 14 March 2013
