14/11/00
Water resource management in Western Australia will be modernised under reforms now passed by State Parliament.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said the passing of amendments to the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 through the State Legislative Council was a major landmark in what had been a long process to strengthen and improve water management.
“These reforms will bring a new era to how water is managed in Western Australia,” Dr Hames said.
“Water users will have more options under this new legislation, including being able to trade water rights for the first time.
“The reforms also lay the foundation for the continuing sustainable development of water resources to underpin the State’s economic growth.”
Communities will have the opportunity to be directly involved in decisions on how their local water resources are used through water resource committees which will provide policy advice to the Water and Rivers Commission Board and through continuing broad consultation on allocation plans.
“This is great news for responsible water users around the State,” Dr Hames said.
“This legislation cements WA’s position as a leader in water resource management and locks in WA’s comparative advantage over other States when it comes to sustainable water use.”
The revised Rights in Water and Irrigation Act is proposed to come into effect on January 1, 2001.
Dr Hames said development of the amended legislation had involved years of work by the Water and Rivers Commission, including extensive consultation with the WA community.
“I would like to thank the community for their input throughout this process,” the Minister said.
“Many of the suggestions from the community led to changes and improvement in the legislation, and the success of these consultations was directly responsible for all Parliamentary political parties supporting the reforms.”
Information on the new legislation is available from the Water and Rivers Commission on 9278 0300.
Media contacts:
Sandy Gater, 9424 7455
Paula Wallace, Water and Rivers Commission, 9278 0741
