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Water Resources Act 2007
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2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Legislation history 3
Water Resources Act 2007 A2007-19
notified LR 20 June 2007
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 June 2007 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 1 August 2007 (s 2 and CN2007-8)
as amended by
Planning and Development (Consequential Amendments) Act 2007
A2007-25 sch 1 pt 1.36
notified LR 13 September 2007
s 1, s 2 commenced 13 September 2007 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.36 commenced 31 March 2008 (s 2 and see Planning and
Development Act 2007 A2007-24, s 2 and CN2008-1)
ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment
Act 2008 (No 2) A2008-37 sch 1 pt 1.108
notified LR 4 September 2008
s 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.108 commenced 2 February 2009 (s 2 (1) and see ACT Civil
and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 A2008-35, s 2 (1) and CN2009-2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2009 A2009-20 sch 3 pt 3.79
notified LR 1 September 2009
s 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.79 commenced 22 September 2009 (s 2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2009 (No 2) A2009-49 sch 3 pt 3.85
notified LR 26 November 2009
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 November 2009 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.85 commenced 17 December 2009 (s 2)
Water Resources Amendment Act 2010 A2010-31
notified LR 1 September 2010
s 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2010 (LA s 75 (1))
s 4 commenced 1 March 2011 (s 2 and LA s 79)
remainder commenced 18 October 2010 (s 2 and CN2010-10)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2012 A2012-21 sch 3 pt 3.56
notified LR 22 May 2012
s 1, s 2 commenced 22 May 2012 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.56 commenced 5 June 2012 (s 2 (2))
Directors Liability Legislation Amendment Act 2013 A2013-4 sch 1
pt 1.12
notified LR 21 February 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 21 February 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.12 commenced 22 February 2013 (s 2)
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment
Act 2013 A2013-15 pt 11
notified LR 21 May 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 21 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 11 commenced 22 May 2013 (s 2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2013 A2013-19 sch 3 pt 3.53
notified LR 24 May 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.53 commenced 14 June 2013 (s 2)
Water Resources Amendment Act 2013 A2013-27
notified LR 21 August 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 21 August 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 22 August 2013 (s 2)
Planning and Development (University of Canberra and Other
Leases) Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-19 pt 25
notified LR 11 June 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 11 June 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 25 commenced 1 July 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-9)
Water Resources (Catchment Management Coordination Group)
Amendment Act 2015 A2015-25 pt 2
notified LR 18 August 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 18 August 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 19 August 2015 (s 2)
Legislation history 3
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33
sch 1 pt 1.75
notified LR 30 September 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.75 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)
Emergencies Amendment Act 2016 A2016-33 sch 1 pt 1.23
notified LR 20 June 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 June 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.23 commenced 21 June 2016 (s 2)
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2017 A2017-17 pt 11
notified LR 14 June 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 June 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 11 commenced 31 August 2017 (s 2 (2))
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment
Act 2017 (No 2) A2017-20 pt 11
notified LR 15 June 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 15 June 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 11 commenced 16 June 2017 (s 2)
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33
sch 1 pt 1.41
notified LR 25 September 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.41 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))
Water Resources Amendment Act 2019 A2019-15
notified LR 14 June 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 June 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 15 June 2019 (s 2)
Emergencies Amendment Act 2020 A2020-47 sch 1 pt 1.9
notified LR 3 September 2020
s 1, s 2 commenced 3 September 2020 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.9 commenced 4 September 2020 (s 2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.65
notified LR 9 June 2021
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.65 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))
Water Resources Amendment Act 2023 A2023-26
notified LR 7 July 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 7 July 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 8 July 2023 (s 2)
Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1
pt 1.72
notified LR 29 September 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.72 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see
Planning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10)
Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2024
A2024-21 sch 1 pt 1.4
notified LR 24 May 2024
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2024 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 31 May 2024 (s 2 (1))
Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2024 A2024-35
pt 4
notified LR 10 July 2024
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 July 2024 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 4 commenced 11 July 2024 (s 2 (1))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.105, sch 4
pt 4.192
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.105, sch 4 pt 4.192 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),
(9))
Commencement
s 2 om LA s 89 (4)
Application of Act to national land and Googong Dam Area
s 7A ins A2010-31 s 4
ACT water resource plan
s 11A ins A2019-15 s 4
am A2024-35 s 59, s 60
Environmental flow guidelines
s 12 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Environmental flow guidelines—preparation by director-general
s 13 sub A2023-26 s 4
Environmental flow guidelines—consultation
s 14 am A2009-20 amdt 3.227; A2013-19 amdt 3.508; A2015-33
amdt 1.259; ss renum R16 LA; A2023-26 s 5, s 6; A2025-29
amdt 4.195
Environmental flow guidelines—submission to Minister
s 15 am A2023-26 ss 7-10
Environmental values
pt 3A hdg ins A2023-36 amdt 1.412
Environmental values for waterways
s 15A ins A2023-36 amdt 1.412
Water management areas
s 16 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Amounts of water available from areas
s 17 am A2019-15 s 5, s 6; ss renum R21 LA; A2023-26 s 11;
A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Amounts of water reasonable for uses
s 18 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Water access entitlement—application
s 20 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Water access entitlement—amendment
s 24 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Water access entitlement—special provision for certain entitlements based
on surviving allocations etc
s 25 am A2013-15 s 21; A2024-21 amdt 1.5; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Water access entitlement—transfer
s 26 am A2010-31 s 5; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Licence to take water—requirement
s 28 am A2007-25 amdt 1.208
(1)-(5) reloc as s 77A (1)-(5)
am A2010-31 s 7, s 8; ss renum R7 LA; A2012-21 amdt 3.215,
amdt 3.216; A2016-33 amdt 1.53, amdt 1.54; A2020-47
amdts 1.22-1.24; pars renum R22 LA; A2023-36 amdt 1.413
Licence to take water—application
s 29 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Licence to take water—decision on application
s 30 am A2023-36 amdt 1.413
Licence to take water—where water may be taken
s 32 am A2013-27 s 4
Driller’s licence—requirement
s 33 orig s 33
reloc as s 77B (1)
pres s 33
ins A2010-31 s 11
Driller’s licence—application
s 34 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Driller’s licence—decision on application
s 35 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Bore work licence—requirement
s 37 (1), (2) reloc as s 77B (2), (3)
am A2010-31 s 13; ss renum R7 LA
Bore work licence—application
s 38 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Bore work licence—decision on application
s 39 am A2010-31 ss 14-16
Definitions––Act
s 41 hdg sub A2013-19 amdt 3.509
s 41 am A2013-19 amdt 3.509
Waterway work licence—requirement
s 42 (1) reloc as s 77C (1)
am A2010-31 s 18, s 19; A2017-17 s 61, s 62
Waterway work licence—application
s 43 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Planning Act 2023 not affected
s 46 sub A2023-36 amdt 1.414
Recharge licence—requirement
s 47 orig s 47
reloc as s 77D
pres s 47
ins A2010-31 s 22
Recharge licence—application
s 48 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Licences—renewal
s 53 am A2021-12 amdt 3.183; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Offence—failing to produce licence
s 57 reloc as s 77E
Licence conditions—requirement
s 58 orig s 58
reloc as s 77F
pres s 58
ins A2010-31 s 25
Offences—contravening certain conditions of licence to take water
s 59 reloc as s 77G
Functions—director-general and authority
s 64 sub A2023-26 s 12
Delegation—director-general and authority
s 65 sub A2023-26 s 12
ACT and region catchment management coordination group
pt 7A hdg ins A2015-25 s 4
Coordination group—establishment
s 67A ins A2015-25 s 4
Coordination group—functions
s 67B ins A2015-25 s 4
am A2017-20 s 19, s 20; A2023-26 s 13, s 14; ss renum
R24 LA
Consideration of coordination group advice
s 67C ins A2015-25 s 4
sub A2023-26 s 15
Coordination group—Minister’s directions
s 67CA ins A2023-26 s 16
Annual report by coordination group
s 67D ins A2015-25 s 4
am A2017-20 s 21, s 22; A2023-26 s 17, s 18; ss renum
R24 LA
Coordination group—membership
s 67E ins A2015-25 s 4
am A2017-20 s 23; pars renum R18 LA; A2023-26 ss 19-21;
ss renum R24 LA; A2024-21 amdt 1.6; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Ending of appointments
s 67F ins A2015-25 s 4
Coordination group—general procedure
s 67G ins A2015-25 s 4
Coordination group—quorum at meetings
s 67H ins A2015-25 s 4
am A2023-26 s 22
Voting at coordination group meetings
s 67I ins A2015-25 s 4
Reimbursement of expenses for coordination group members
s 67J ins A2015-25 s 4
Assessment and investigation of water resources
pt 8 hdg sub A2023-26 s 23
Water resources monitoring and assessment—director-general
s 68 sub A2023-26 s 23
Power to enter land for water resources monitoring and assessment
s 68A ins A2023-26 s 23
Water resources investigations—authority
s 68B ins A2023-26 s 23
Cooperation etc with other jurisdictions
s 69 sub A2023-26 s 23
Things fixed to land by director-general or authority
s 70 sub A2023-26 s 23
Notice prohibiting or restricting taking of water
s 71 am A2010-31 s 27; A2013-19 amdt 3.510; A2025-29
amdt 4.195
Direction to modify or remove water structure
s 72 am A2010-31 s 28
Direction to rectify effect of unauthorised activity etc
s 73 am A2010-31 s 29, s 30
Direction to prevent or rectify damage to bed or bank of waterway
s 74 am A2010-31 s 31, s 32
Directions in relation to unlicensed taking of surface water
s 75 am A2010-31 s 33
Directions in relation to bores
s 76 am A2010-31 s 34, s 35
Offences
pt 9A hdg ins A2010-31 s 36
Offences—take water without licence
s 77A hdg ins A2010-31 s 36
s 77A (1)-(5) reloc from s 28 (1)-(5) A2010-31 s 6
am A2010-31 s 37
Offences—do bore work without licence
s 77B hdg prev s 33 hdg
sub A2010-31 s 9
s 77B (1) reloc from s 33 A2010-31 s 10
(2), (3) reloc from s 37 (1), (2) A2010-31 s 12
am A2010-31 s 38; A2013-27 s 5, s 6
Offence—do waterway work without licence
s 77C hdg ins A2010-31 s 39
s 77C (1) reloc from s 42 (1) A2010-31 s 17
am A2010-31 s 40; A2013-27 s 7; ss renum R12 LA
Offence—do work without recharge licence
s 77D hdg prev s 47 hdg
sub A2010-31 s 20
s 77D reloc from s 47 A2010-31 s 21
Offence—failing to produce licence
s 77E reloc from s 57 A2010-31 s 23
Offence—contravening licence conditions
s 77F reloc from s 58 A2010-31 s 24
am A2013-27 s 8
Offences—contravening certain conditions of licence to take water
s 77G reloc from s 59 A2010-31 s 26
Offence—contravene notice prohibiting or restricting taking of water
s 77H ins A2010-31 s 41
Offences—contravene directions
s 77I ins A2010-31 s 41
Offences—water meter tampering
s 77J ins A2013-27 s 9
Power to require name and address
s 84 am A2009-49 amdt 3.214
Warrants—application made other than in person
s 86 am A2018-33 amdt 1.79, amdt 1.80
Notification and review of decisions
pt 11 hdg sub A2008-37 amdt 1.562
Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 11
s 94 sub A2008-37 amdt 1.562
Reviewable decision notices
s 95 sub A2008-37 amdt 1.562
am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Applications for review
s 96 sub A2008-37 amdt 1.562
am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Compensation for exercise of powers
s 99 am A2023-26 s 24
Incorporation of documents
s 100 am A2013-19 amdt 3.511; A2023-26 s 25
sub A2024-35 s 61
Inspection of incorporated documents
s 101 om A2023-26 s 26
Notification of certain incorporated documents
s 102 am A2013-19 amdt 3.512
om A2023-26 s 26
Criminal liability of executive officers
s 104 sub A2013-4 amdt 1.15
am A2025-29 amdt 3.368
Determination of fees
s 107 am A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Approved forms
s 108 om A2021-12 amdt 3.184
Regulation-making power
s 109 am A2013-19 amdt 3.513; A2024-35 s 62, s 63; ss renum
R27 LA; A2025-29 amdt 4.195
Transitional
pt 20 hdg exp 1 August 2008 (s 206)
Environmental flow guidelines
s 200 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206 (LA s 88 declaration applies))
Existing licences and permits
s 201 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206 (LA s 88 declaration applies))
Water access entitlement for certain existing licence holders
s 202 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206)
Information on register
s 203 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206 (LA s 88 declaration applies))
References to Planning and Development Act
s 204 sub A2007-25 amdt 1.209
exp 1 August 2008 (s 206)
Transitional regulations
s 205 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206)
Expiry—pt 20
s 206 exp 1 August 2008 (s 206)
Repeals and consequential amendments
pt 21 hdg om LA s 89 (3)
Legislation repealed
s 207 om LA s 89 (3)
Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989
Schedule 1, item 18
s 208 om LA s 89 (3)
Gungahlin Drive Extension Authorisation Regulation 2004
Section 4 (e)
s 209 om LA s 89 (3)
Land (Planning and Environment) Regulation 1992
Schedule 1, item 3 (d)
s 210 om LA s 89 (3)
Utilities Act 2000
Section 20 (2) (l)
s 211 om LA s 89 (3)
Transitional—Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023
pt 22 hdg ins A2023-36 amdt 1.417
References to Planning Act 2023
s 212 ins A2023-36 amdt 1.417
Expiry—pt 22
s 213 ins A2023-36 amdt 1.417
Reviewable decisions
sch 1 ins A2008-37 amdt 1.563
am A2009-20 amdt 3.228; items renum R5 LA
dict am A2008-37 amdt 1.563; A2009-20 amdt 3.229; A2009-49
amdt 3.215; A2010-31 s 42; A2013-19 amdt 3.514; A2015-25
s 5; A2015-33 amdt 1.260; A2023-36 amdt 1.415
def coordination group ins A2015-25 s 6
def land sublease ins A2015-19 s 152
sub A2023-36 amdt 1.416
def owner sub A2015-19 s 153
def reviewable decision sub A2008-37 amdt 1.565
Earlier republications 5
5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are
marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
for
1 Aug 2007
1 Aug 2007–
30 Mar 2008
not amended new Act
31 Mar 2008
31 Mar 2008–
1 Aug 2008
A2007-25 amendments by
A2007-25
2 Aug 2008
2 Aug 2008–
1 Feb 2009
A2007-25 commenced expiry
2 Feb 2009
2 Feb 2009–
21 Sept 2009
A2008-37 amendments by
A2008-37
22 Sept 2009
22 Sept 2009–
16 Dec 2009
A2009-20 amendments by
A2009-20
17 Dec 2009
17 Dec 2009–
17 Oct 2010
A2009-49 amendments by
A2009-49
18 Oct 2010
18 Oct 2010–
28 Feb 2011
A2010-31 amendments by
A2010-31
1 Mar 2011
1 Mar 2011–
A2010-31 amendments by
A2010-31
5 June 2012–
21 Feb 2013
A2012-21 amendments by
A2012-21
22 Feb 2013
22 Feb 2013–
A2013-4 amendments by
A2013-4
22 May 2013–
A2013-15 amendments by
A2013-15
14 June 2013–
21 Aug 2013
A2013-19 amendments by
A2013-19
5 Earlier republications
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
for
22 Aug 2013
22 Aug 2013–
A2013-27 amendments by
A2013-27
1 July 2015–
18 Aug 2015
A2015-19 amendments by
A2015-19
19 Aug 2015
19 Aug 2015–
13 Oct 2015
A2015-25 amendments by
A2015-25
14 Oct 2015
14 Oct 2015–
A2015-33 amendments by
A2015-33
21 June 2016–
A2016-33 amendments by
A2016-33
16 June 2017–
30 Aug 2017
A2017-20 amendments by
A2017-20
31 Aug 2017
31 Aug 2017–
22 Oct 2018
A2017-20 amendments by
A2017-17
23 Oct 2018
23 Oct 2018
A2018-33 amendments by
A2018-33
15 June 2019–
3 Sept 2020
A2019-15 amendments by
A2019-15
4 Sept 2020
4 Sept 2020–
A2020-47 amendments by
A2020-47
23 June 2021–
A2021-12 amendments by
A2021-12
8 July 2023–
26 Nov 2023
A2023-26 amendments by
A2023-26
27 Nov 2023
27 Nov 2023–
A2023-36 amendments by
A2023-36
31 May 2024–
A2024-21 amendments by
A2024-21
11 July 2024–
27 Nov 2024
A2024-35 amendments by
A2024-35
28 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024–
25 Nov 2025
A2024-35 expiry of
transitional
provisions (pt 22)
Expired transitional or validating provisions 6
6 Expired transitional or validating provisions
This Act may be affected by transitional or validating provisions that have expired.
The expiry does not affect any continuing operation of the provisions (see
Legislation Act 2001, s 88 (1)).
Expired provisions are removed from the republished law when the expiry takes
effect and are listed in the amendment history using the abbreviation ‘exp’ followed
by the date of the expiry.
To find the expired provisions see the version of this Act before the expiry took
effect. The ACT legislation register has point-in-time versions of this Act.