{"id":"rain-making-control-act-1967","name":"Rain-making Control Act 1967","slug":"rain-making-control-act-1967","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":176189,"registerId":"vic-rain-making-control-act-1967-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rain-making Control Act 1967","content":"Version No. 016\n\n**Rain-making Control Act 1967**\n\n**No. 7637 of 1967**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n1 December 2013\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\n1 Short title and commencement 1\n\n2 Definitions 1\n\n3 Authority to carry out rain-making operations 2\n\n4 Authority to make arrangements 2\n\n5 Form and content of authority 2\n\n6 Consultation of Ministers 3\n\n7 Duration of authority 3\n\n8 Cloud-seeding in Victoria to induce rainfall in another State 3\n\n9 Offence to carry out unauthorised rain-making operations 4\n\n10 Certificate to be evidence 4\n\n11 Minister may order discontinuance of unauthorised operations 4\n\n12 No liability in respect of authorized operations 5\n\n13 Reports on rain-making operations 5\n\n14 Construction of references to rain etc. 6\n\n15 Regulations 6\n\nENDNOTES 8\n\n1. General Information 8\n\n2. Table of Amendments 9\n\n3. Explanatory Details 10\n\n**Version No.** **016**\n\n**Rain-making Control Act 1967**\n\n**No. 7637 of 1967**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n1 December 2013\n\nAn Act to regulate certain Rain-making and other Cloud-modification Processes, to make Provision with respect to Claims for Damages against Persons lawfully engaged therein and for other purposes.\n\n**BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in this present Parliament assembled and by the authority of the same as follows (that is to say):**\n\n\t1 Short title and commencement\n\n(1) This Act may be cited as the **Rain-making Control Act 1967**.\n\n(2) This Act shall come into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation of the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette.\n\n\t2 Definitions\n\nIn this Act unless inconsistent with the context or subject-matter—\n\n***prescribed*** means prescribed by regulations made under this Act;\n\n***rain-making operation*** means the seeding or nucleating of clouds by artificial means from a manned aircraft.\n\n\t3 Authority to carry out rain-making operations\n\ns. 3\n\nWhenever it appears to the Minister to be desirable in the public interest to promote rainfall or otherwise modify natural cloud processes in any part of Victoria—\n\n(a) for improving primary production either generally or locally and whether with respect to one or more than one primary product;\n\n(b) for improving water storages either generally or locally;\n\n(c) for reducing fire-danger in a forest area; or\n\n(d) for any other sufficient purpose—\n\nthe Minister may authorise the carrying out of rain-making operations in respect of the area or areas concerned.\n\nS. 4 amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1).\n\n\t4 Authority to make arrangements\n\nWhere the Minister authorises rain-making operations under the foregoing provisions of this Act he shall issue his authority to some person or body under his control to make arrangements for carrying out those operations.\n\n\t5 Form and content of authority\n\n(1) Every authority under this Act to carry out rain-making operations—\n\n(a) shall be in writing signed by the Minister and addressed to the authorised officer or body;\n\n(b) shall be subject to such conditions limitations and restrictions as are prescribed or the Minister thinks fit to impose with respect to carrying out the rain-making operations; and\n\n(c) may at any time by the Minister be revoked or varied by notice in writing to the authorised officer or body.\n\n(2) An authority given by the Minister under this Act may authorize rain-making operations to be carried out on any specified day or days or may authorise a programme of rain-making operations to be carried out whenever atmospheric conditions are favourable during any period and in any area specified in the authority.\n\nS. 5(3) amended by Nos 41/1987 s. 103(Sch. 4 item 55.1), 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 70/2013 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 45).\n\n(3) The Minister shall cause a copy of every authority issued under this Act to be forwarded to the Minister administering the **Water Act 1989**, the Minister administering the **Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987** and the Minister administering Part 9 of the **Local Government Act 1989**.\n\n\t6 Consultation of Ministers\n\ns. 6\n\nThe Minister shall not revoke or vary any authority issued at the request of any other Minister without first consulting with the other Minister upon the matter.\n\n\t7 Duration of authority\n\nUnless sooner revoked an authority under this section shall remain in force until the rain-making operations authorised by the authority have been carried out or, if any time is specified in the authority for completing the rain-making operations, until the expiration of that time.\n\n\t8 Cloud-seeding in Victoria to induce rainfall in another State\n\nAt the request of the Minister of an adjoining State administering any Act corresponding with this Act the Minister may authorise rain-making operations to be carried out in Victoria to promote rainfall in the adjoining State.\n\n\t9 Offence to carry out unauthorised rain-making operations\n\ns. 9\n\nAny person who carries out any rain-making operations in Victoria which are not authorized under this Act shall be guilty of an offence.\n\n1. $1000 or imprisonment for twelve months.\n\n\n\t10 Certificate to be evidence\n\nA certificate in writing purporting to be signed by the Minister that any specified rain-making operations were or were not authorized under this Act to be carried out shall be conclusive evidence that the operations were or were not so authorized.\n\n\t11 Minister may order discontinuance of unauthorised operations\n\n(1) Where it appears to the Minister that any person or body is carrying out or is about to carry out rain-making operations not authorized under this Act the Minister may by order require the person or body to discontinue or refrain from commencing the rain-making operations.\n\n(2) An order made under subsection (1) shall be in writing signed by the Minister and may be served personally or by post.\n\n(3) Any person or body to whom an order under this section is addressed who fails to comply with the terms of the order shall in addition to any penalty to which he is liable under section 9 be liable to a penalty of not more than $1000 for every day upon which he continues to carry out rain-making operations in contravention of the order.\n\n\t12 No liability in respect of authorized operations\n\ns. 12\n\n(1) Neither the Minister, any person or body authorized by the Minister to make arrangements for carrying out a rain-making operation, nor any person carrying out rain-making operations authorized by the Minister under this Act shall in any way be liable in respect of any loss or damage caused by or arising out of the precipitation of rain hail sleet snow ice fog or mist in consequence of the rain-making operations so carried out.\n\n(2) A person carrying out rain-making operations outside Victoria under and in accordance with the law (if any) corresponding with this Act and in force in the State or Territory where the operations are carried out shall not in any way be liable for any loss or damage caused by or arising out of the precipitation in Victoria of rain hail sleet snow ice fog or mist in consequence of the rain-making operations so carried out.\n\n\t13 Reports on rain-making operations\n\nS. 13(1) amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1) (as amended by No. 12/1999 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 24)), 12/1999 s. 4(Sch. 2 item 10).\n\n(1) The person or body authorised to make arrangements for carrying out rain-making operations under this Act shall furnish a report in writing concerning those operations to the Minister in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) or upon request in writing made by the Minister.\n\nS. 13(2) amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1) (as amended by No. 12/1999 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 24)), 12/1999 s. 4(Sch. 2 item 10).\n\n(2) Every report in writing made for the purposes of this section shall be in the prescribed form signed by or on behalf of the person or body concerned and shall be lodged with the Minister—\n\n(a) where the operations will be completed within fourteen days from the commencement thereof—within forty-eight hours after the completion of operations;\n\n(b) where the operations extend more than fourteen days from the commencement thereof—not later than Wednesday in each week with respect to operations conducted during the week ending at midnight on the previous Saturday; and\n\n(c) where the report is requested by the Minister—within the time stipulated by the Minister in the request.\n\n\t14 Construction of references to rain etc.\n\ns. 14\n\n(1) In any Act other than this Act and in any other law contract agreement or instrument (whether passed made or entered into before or after the commencement of this Act), but subject to any express provision to the contrary in any Act, a reference to rain hail sleet snow ice fog or mist includes a reference to rain hail sleet snow ice fog or mist (as the case requires) which resulted or may have resulted from a rain-making operation and every such Act law contract agreement or instrument shall be read and construed and have effect accordingly.\n\n(2) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as depriving a person of any right of action that he might have apart from this Act in respect of or arising out of a rain-making operation that is not authorised under this Act.\n\n\t15 Regulations\n\nThe Governor in Council may make regulations for regulating and controlling rain-making operations and activities and in particular, without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, for or with respect to—\n\n(a) prescribing forms for the purposes of this Act;\n\n(b) prescribing conditions limitations or restrictions to which authorities given under this Act are to be subject and prescribing penalties of not more than $100 for contravention of or failure to comply with any condition limitation or restriction to which an authority is subject;\n\n(c) prescribing the information to be furnished by persons or bodies carrying out or assisting in rain-making operations under this Act;\n\n(d) regulating the letting of contracts for carrying out rain-making operations;\n\ns. 15\n\n(e) prescribing the equipment to be used in carrying out rain-making operations and the mode of carrying out such operations;\n\n(f) prescribing the qualifications of persons employed in carrying out rain-making operations and prohibiting the employment of unqualified persons;\n\n(g) prescribing penalties not exceeding $100 for breach of regulations made under this section; and\n\n(h) generally any matter or thing required or authorised to be prescribed for carrying this Act into effect.\n\n\n\nENDNOTES\n\n1. General Information\n\n\nEndnotes\n\nThe **Rain-making Control Act 1967** was assented to on 19 December 1967 and came into operation 1 May 1968: Government Gazette 1 May 1968 page 1708.\n\n1. Table of Amendments\n\n\nEndnotes\n\nThis Version incorporates amendments made to the **Rain-making Control Act 1967** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987, No.** **41/1987**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.5.87 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S.103(Sch. 4 item 55.1) on 1.7.87: Government Gazette 24.6.87 p.1694. |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Rain-making Control Act 1967** |\n\n\n**Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998** (as amended by No. 12/1999)\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.5.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Rain-making Control Act 1967** |\n\n\n**Public Sector Reform (Further Amendments) Act 1999, No. 12/1999**\n\n| Assent Date: | 11.5.99 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 4(Sch. 2 item 10) on 11.5.99: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Rain-making Control Act 1967** |\n\n\n**Statute Law Revision Act 2013, No. 70/2013**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.11.13 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 45) on 1.12.13: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Rain-making Control Act 1967** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n1. Explanatory Details\n\n\nEndnotes\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on available information, the Act appears to have remained consistent with its original purpose of controlling artificial rain-making activities since its enactment in 1967. The version history indicates it exists in an 'as made' and consolidated form, suggesting amendments have occurred but the core regulatory scope — controlling weather modification — does not appear to have materially shifted from the original intent."},"complexity_factors":["Highly specialised and narrow subject matter (weather modification) that most people will never encounter","Limited information provided in the extract — the full operative provisions, penalties, and licensing requirements are not visible, making complete analysis impossible","Technical intersection of science and law (understanding what constitutes 'rain-making' may require scientific knowledge)","Relatively old legislation (1967) that may use outdated terminology","Low overall complexity as the conceptual purpose is straightforward — a licensing/permission regime for a specific activity"],"plain_english_summary":"## Rain-making Control Act 1967\n\nThis is a Victorian law that **regulates artificial rain-making activities** — that is, attempts to deliberately cause or influence rainfall through human intervention (commonly known as 'cloud seeding').\n\n**What it does:**\n- Controls who can legally attempt to make or influence rain in Victoria\n- Requires people to obtain permission before conducting rain-making operations\n- Prevents unauthorised individuals or companies from conducting weather modification activities\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Anyone wanting to conduct cloud seeding or artificial rain-making operations in Victoria\n- Agricultural operators, water authorities, or private companies interested in weather modification\n- The general public, whose weather and water supply could be affected by such activities\n\n**Why it matters:**\nArtificial rain-making can affect water catchments, agriculture, and neighbouring properties. Without regulation, one person's rain-making could deprive others of rainfall or cause flooding. This law ensures these powerful activities are supervised and authorised by government.\n\n**Key point for everyday Australians:** You cannot simply hire someone to 'seed clouds' over your farm or property without government approval. This law has been on the books since 1967 and remains in force today."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Act's core purpose and scope have remained consistent since its enactment in 1967. Amendments (e.g., 1987, 1998, 2013) have been limited to updating references to other legislation and ministerial titles. No expansion of regulatory reach or significant alteration of original intent."},"complexity_factors":["Short Act (16 sections) with only 3 defined terms","Ministerial discretion in granting authorities, conditions, and revocation","Cross-references to other Victorian Acts (Water Act, Conservation Forests and Lands Act, Local Government Act)","Immunity provision with exceptions for authorized vs unauthorized operations","Variable reporting deadlines depending on operation duration"],"plain_english_summary":"The **Rain-making Control Act 1967** regulates cloud seeding (artificially inducing rain) from manned aircraft in Victoria. It does the following:\n\n- **Who can do it**: Only if authorized by a government Minister. The Minister can issue an authority when it's considered in the public interest—for example, to help farming, improve water supplies, reduce fire danger, or for any other sufficient reason.\n- **What's required**: An authority must be in writing, with conditions set by the Minister. The authority can be for specific days or a program over a period. Copies must be sent to other relevant ministers (e.g., water, conservation, local government).\n- **What's banned**: Carrying out cloud seeding without authority is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or 12 months' imprisonment.\n- **Stopping unauthorized operations**: The Minister can order anyone to stop unauthorized cloud seeding. Non-compliance can result in an extra fine of up to $1,000 per day.\n- **Liability protection**: If operations are authorized, the Minister, the authorized body, and the people carrying out the seeding are **not liable** for any loss or damage caused by rain, hail, snow, ice, fog, or mist that results from those operations. This immunity also applies to operations conducted lawfully in another state that affect Victoria.\n- **Reporting**: Those authorized must provide reports to the Minister—either within 48 hours if the operation lasts 14 days or less, or weekly if longer, or on request.\n- **Other provisions**: The Act also allows Victoria to authorize seeding to help rainfall in an adjoining state, if that state's minister requests it. References to rain, hail, etc., in other laws are deemed to include rain that may have been caused by cloud seeding (unless the law says otherwise). The Act does not affect anyone's right to sue for damage from **unauthorized** operations.\n\n**Why it matters**: Cloud seeding can affect weather and property. This law gives the government control over who can do it, sets conditions, and protects authorized operators from lawsuits—shifting risk to the public. It balances promoting potential benefits (like increased water) against the need for oversight and liability rules."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose of regulating cloud seeding operations from manned aircraft. The amendments shown in the endnotes are purely mechanical updates - changing ministerial titles and updating references to other Acts (Water Act, Conservation Forests and Lands Act, Local Government Act) as government structures evolved. There is no expansion into new technologies (such as ground-based cloud seeding, though the definition specifies 'manned aircraft'), climate modification, or broader environmental controls. The core scheme of ministerial authorisation, immunity for authorised operators, and criminalisation of unauthorised operations remains unchanged from the 1967 intent."},"complexity_factors":["Short statute with only 15 sections spanning approximately 6 pages of substantive content","Minimal defined terms (only 2 explicit definitions in section 2: 'prescribed' and 'rain-making operation')","Straightforward administrative structure with single decision-maker (the Minister)","Limited cross-referencing - only references to other Acts in section 5(3) regarding notification requirements","Simple conditional logic: authorisation required → conditions may be imposed → immunity granted if authorised","No nested exceptions or complex provisos; section 12 immunity is broad but clearly stated","Penalty provisions are fixed or capped amounts ($1,000 or 12 months for offences; $100 for regulation breaches)","Regulation-making power in section 15 is comprehensive but standard for its era"],"plain_english_summary":"This law regulates **cloud seeding** (spraying substances into clouds from aircraft to make it rain) in Victoria. It makes it illegal to modify the weather without government permission, sets up a licensing system through the Minister, and protects authorised operators from being sued if their rain-making causes damage.\n\n**Key things it does:**\n\n*   **Bans unauthorised weather modification:** You cannot seed clouds or try to make rain unless the Minister gives you written authority. Doing so without permission is a crime punishable by fines up to $1,000 or 12 months in prison.\n\n*   **Creates a permit system:** The Minister can authorise rain-making for specific purposes like boosting farm production, filling water storages, or reducing bushfire risk. Permits can specify particular days or ongoing programs when weather conditions are right.\n\n*   **Protects operators from lawsuits:** If you're authorised under this Act, you cannot be sued for damage caused by the rain, hail, snow, fog or other precipitation that results from your operations. This immunity also extends to operators from other states working under similar laws if their cloud seeding affects Victoria.\n\n*   **Allows interstate cooperation:** Victoria can help neighbouring states by seeding clouds here to make it rain across the border, if requested.\n\n*   **Requires reporting:** Authorised operators must submit written reports on their activities, either weekly or within 48 hours of completing short operations.\n\n**Who it affects:** Anyone wanting to conduct cloud seeding operations, aircraft operators, farmers and landowners who might be affected by artificial rain, and government agencies managing water or fire risk.\n\n**Why it matters:** Before this law, someone could theoretically sue a cloud seeder if artificial rain caused flooding or crop damage. This law balances the public benefit of drought relief and fire prevention against private interests by granting legal immunity to approved operations while criminalising rogue weather modification."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967","history":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967/history","analysis":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/rain-making-control-act-1967/documents"}}