Queensland Consolidated Acts

WATER ACT 2000 - SECT 60

(1) The Minister may prepare a water use plan for any part of Queensland if the Minister is satisfied there are risks that water use in a particular area of Queensland may cause negative effects on land and water resources, including, but not limited to, the following—

(a) rising underground water levels;

(b) increasing salinisation;

(c) deteriorating water quality;

(d) water logging of soils;

(e) destabilisation of bed and banks of watercourses;

(f) damage to riverine environment;

(g) increasing soil erosion.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), only 1 water use plan may have effect for the part at any time.

(3) Two plans may have effect for the same part of Queensland at the same time if—

(a) one of the plans applies to—

(i) artesian water; and

(ii) subartesian water connected to the artesian water; and

(iii) water in springs connected to the artesian water; and

(b) the other plan does not apply to water mentioned in paragraph (a).

(4) However, before preparing a water use plan, the Minister must prepare a draft water use plan.