State and territory rules
This page outlines the legislation, regulations and water resource plans in place in the jurisdictions, and where water trading rules can be found for each jurisdiction. It also provides links to the irrigation infrastructure operator rules and policies.
Although differences may occur between jurisdictions, state/territory legislative acts generally establish the legislative framework for the following functions:
- Water management planning, including the creation of water resource plans
- Water management implementation
- Joint private works, including irrigation corporations, private irrigation districts, private drainage boards and private water trusts
- Public works, including flood mitigation works, irrigation works
- Public utilities and water supply authorities
- Enforcement
Many state/territory rules and regulations regarding management of water resources, rights and trading are covered in water resource plans. Although differences may occur between jurisdictions, water resource plans generally provide the following functions for specific water resource plan areas:
- assess the water availability
- establish the consumptive and environmental pool of water
- establish rules for granting water rights, allocations and trades
- determine water allocations
- manage water account rules, e.g. carryover
- monitor and evaluate effectiveness of water management
States and territories may also have state/territory-wide regulations governing water resources, rights and trading.
The table below summarises the sources of water trading rules in each of the states and territories. For further information click the links below or seek advice from your local water authorities.
| Jurisdiction | Legislative acts | Water resource plans | State/territory-wide regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW |
Water Management Amendment Act 2010 |
Water sharing plans for NSW
Note: See the section entitled 'Access Licence Dealing Rules' in your local water sharing plan. |
Access Licence Dealing Principles Order 2004
Note: This piece of legislation specifies the state-wide water trading rules in place in NSW. |
| Vic | Water Act 1989 |
Goulburn-Murray Water groundwater management plans Goulburn-Murray Water streamflow management plans Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water groundwater information Southern Rural Water groundwater management plans Southern Rural Water Streamflow Management Plans Melbourne Water streamflow management plans Note: Water trading rules specific to particular water management areas are specified in some of Victoria’s water management plans. See also Victoria's Bulk Entitlements register |
Water trading rules |
| Qld | Water Act 2000 |
Water resource planning
Current water allocation location tables |
Nil |
| SA | Natural Resources Management Act 2004 Note: Section 150 of this Act specifies rules for the transfer of water licences. |
NRM Boards produce water allocation plans for the following areas: Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board for Barossa, Adelaide Plains, McLaren Vale, Western Mount Lofty Eyre Peninsula Board for Southern Basins & Musgrave SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board for Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, Mallee, Noora, Peake, Roby Sherlock, River Murray, Marne Saunders South East NRM Board for Padthaway, Lower Limestone Coast, Tatiara, Tintinara, Morambro Creek Northern & Yorke NRM Board for Clare, Baroota South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board for Far North region Note: See the section entitled ‘Transfer rules’ in your local water allocation plan. |
Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and subordinate regulations |
| WA | Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 | ||
| Tas |
Water Management Plans |
Nil | |
| NT | Water Act 2009 | Nil | |
| ACT | Note: Section 26 of this Act specifies rules for the transfer of water access entitlements. | Nil |
Irrigation infrastructure operator specific rules and policies
Irrigation infrastructure operators may also have separate water trading policies and rules relevant to their districts. Links to the policies and rules of the major IIOs in each jurisdiction are provided on this page where they are available on the IIOs website.
The table below outlines some of the irrigation infrastructure operator rules and policies in place for water trading.
| Jurisdiction | Organisation | IIO/water utility specific rules and policies |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | State Water | |
| Murray Irrigation |
|
|
| Western Murray Irrigation | ||
| Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited | ||
| Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Limited | ||
| Vic | Goulburn-Murray Water | |
| Southern Rural Water | ||
| Lower Murray Water | ||
| Qld | SunWater | |
| SA | Central Irrigation Trust | |
| WA | Harvey Water | |
| Ord Irrigation |