Water User Associations

Unlike catchment management agencies, the primary purpose of the water use associations is not water management. Water use associations operate at a restricted localised level, and are in effect co-operative associations of individual water users who wish to undertake water-related activities for their mutual benefit. The association may exercise management power and duties only if these have been assigned or delegated. The Minister may exercise control over water user associations by giving directives or by temporarily taking over their functions under particular circumstances. Existing irrigation boards, subterranean water control boards and water boards established for stock watering purposes will continue to operate until they are restructured as water user associations.

A proposal for establishment of water use association must contain at least:

    the reason for making the proposal
    a proposed name and area of operation for the association
    the proposed activities of the association
    a description of any existing or proposed waterwork within the proposed area of operation which is relevant to the proposed activities of the association
    a description of the water use licences and any other authorisations which the proposed members hold or intend applying for
    the proposed constitution and a list of members of the association
    an indication whether there has been consultation in developing the proposal and the results of the consultation.