60Rules of distribution applicable to making of available water determinations

60 Rules of distribution applicable to making of available water determinations

60 Rules of distribution applicable to making of available water determinations

(1) Except while an order under section 49A or 49B is in force, the following rules of distribution apply to the making of an available water determination of a type referred to in section 59 (1) (a)—

(a) the rules of priority established by section 58,

(b) the provisions of any relevant bulk access regime,

(c) the provisions of any relevant management plan,

(d) the provisions of any relevant implementation program.

(2) (Repealed)

(3) While an order under section 49A in relation to a water management area or water source is in force, the following rules of distribution apply to the making of an available water determination in relation to the water management area or water source—

(a) first priority is to be given to—

(i) the taking of water for domestic purposes by persons exercising basic landholder rights, and

(ii) the taking of water for domestic purposes or essential town services authorised by an access licence,

(b) second priority is to be given to the needs of the environment,

(c) third priority is to be given to—

(i) the taking of water for stock purposes by persons exercising basic landholder rights, and

(ii) in the case of regulated rivers, the taking of water for purposes (other than domestic purposes) authorised by a regulated river (high security) access licence, and

(iii) the taking of water for the purposes of supply of commercial and industrial activities authorised by a major utility access licence or local water utility access licence, subject to the water made available being in accordance with any drought management strategy established by the Minister for that purpose, and

(iv) the taking of water for the purposes of electricity generation authorised by a major utility access licence, and

(v) the taking of water for purposes authorised by a domestic and stock access licence or by persons exercising any other water rights in relation to stock, and