SEMINAR: Water Resource allocation planning: securing environmental and consumptive use requirements

The Western Australian Government is currently preparing legislative reforms for the management of water resources. In November 2009, the Department of Water released a document entitled Discussion Paper: Water Resources Management Options, and the community is now awaiting draft legislation. A central goal of the reform proposals will be to adapt for Western Australian implementation core features of the National Water Initiative, including an effective system of water resources planning that secures environmental water allocations and the foundations for a new regime of tradable water access entitlements.

This presentation will seek to explain:

• the purposes and effects of water resources planning, focussing on the allocation or 'sharing' of water resources;

• the system or procedures of water allocation planning;

• the content of water allocation plans, especially for environmental water allocation, the 'consumptive pool' concept and how to manage reduced water availability; and

• the legal effect of a water allocation plan.

Understanding the role of water allocation planning is becoming ever more important as Western Australia confronts a drying climate and the management of increased demands for water resources. The seminar should present an opportunity to consider the legal reforms in their current practical context.