Water trading
Water trading is the buying and selling of water separate to the sale of land. This enables users to buy water to expand their operations or sell water they do not need. Trading is voluntary and prices are set by the market.
In Queensland, types of water trading include:
- permanent trading of water allocations
- leasing of water allocations
- seasonal assignment of water available under a water entitlement
- permanent transfer of interim water allocations in certain parts of the state.
There are currently markets for surface water only, but markets for underground water will be developed in the future.
- See Water Trading: An Overview of Queensland Water Markets (PDF, 178K)* for more information.
Where water can be traded
Water trading is currently available in:
- areas where water allocations have been established once the resource operations plan for an area has been approved
- the Mary River water supply scheme where water allocations have not yet been established but demand for trading of interim water allocations is high and the environmental risks associated with trading are considered manageable.
Interstate water trading with New South Wales is available in the Border Rivers and Macintyre Brook Water Supply Schemes.
Water trading rules
Trading rules are included in the resource operations plan for each area to ensure trading activities do not adversely affect the security of water allocations and environmental flow objectives. These activities may include seasonal water assignments, changes, subdivisions and amalgamations.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 1 March 2011
