Trading in your state/territory

Western Australia

The Department of Water grants licences under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 (WA) to take water, which is the primary means of allocating and managing water resources in Western Australia.

Intrastate Trade

For intrastate trade, a paper form completed by both the buyer and seller must be submitted to the Department of Water. In some circumstances additional information may by required by the department in undertaking its assessment of the application. The customer will be advised of the outcome of the application by letter.

Interstate Trade

The powers of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 are confined to the state, therefore interstate trade is not permitted. However, instances may arise where Western Australia may need to enter into an agreement with another state or territory to manage and share a water resource that crosses borders.

Western Australia is currently undergoing major reform of the legislative framework which governs water resources management and the delivery of water resources. The Water Resources Management Bill being drafted will consolidate seven existing Acts into one piece of legislation. This legislative reform will make substantial changes to the allocation and management of water resources, including trading processes.

Further information about the water trading process in Western Australia is available on the Department of Water web site  .The department has also published a series of frequently asked questions. More information is available via the below links.