1Purposes

1 Purposes This Act has the following purposes— (a) to re-state, with amendments, the law relating to water in Victoria; (b) to provide for the integrated management of all elements of the terrestrial phase of the water cycle; (c) to promote the orderly, equitable and efficient use of water resources; (d) to make sure that water resources are conserved and properly managed for sustainable use for the benefit of present and future Victorians; (e) to maximise community involvement in the making and implementation of arrangements relating to the use, conservation or management of water resources; S. 1(ea) inserted by No. 23/2019 s. 4. (ea) to ensure that Victoria's water resources and waterways are managed in a way that considers— (i) Aboriginal cultural values and uses of waterways; and (ii) the social and recreational uses and values of waterways; (f) to eliminate inconsistencies in the treatment of surface and groundwater resources and waterways; (g) to provide better definition of private water entitlements and the entitlements of Authorities; (h) to foster the provision of responsible and efficient water services suited to various needs and various consumers; (i) to provide recourse for persons affected by administrative decisions; (j) to provide formal means for the protection and enhancement of the environmental qualities of waterways and their in-stream uses; (k) to provide for the protection of catchment conditions; S. 1(l) amended by No. 110/1997 s. 22(1). (l) to replace many forms of detailed administrative supervision of Authorities with general supervision by the Minister, through approved corporate plans and express directions; (m) to continue in existence and to protect all public and private rights to water existing before the commencement of the relevant provisions of this Act.