Trading in your state/territory

South Australia

The regulatory framework for water resource management in South Australia, including water trading, is established through the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (SA).

The Trade Approval Authority responsible for administering the water licensing provisions of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, including processing water trades is the Department for Water (DFW).

To apply for a trade, an application form must be lodged with DFW. The application form has two key parts, one to be completed by the transferor (seller), and the other by the transferee (buyer).

Intrastate Trade

For intrastate trades, customers need to submit a hard copy application form to DFW.  These forms can be accessed via DFW’s web site or from DFW offices. The customer will be notified of the outcome of the application, with reasons provided if the application is rejected.

Interstate Trade

For an interstate trade, the South Australian and interstate customer must complete both a South Australian and interstate approving authority application form and submit these to the relevant agencies.

Water rights are yet to be fully unbundled in South Australia. Transfers may therefore still be required to be assessed against environmental clearance requirements. This process may impact processing times. Unbundling of water rights for River Murray licencees has been completed. Full unbundling for all regions is expected to be completed by 2013.