Simpler Water Allocation Trading and New VCAT Review Rights for Allocation Decisions
Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Introduced by: Harriet Shing MLC (ALP); Mary-Anne Thomas MP (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People affected by a decision on an external place of take approval can apply for a VCAT review.
The Water Minister must record holder details and approval conditions in the water register.
Water allocation holders must get Minister approval to assign their allocation to another person.
General place of take approvals end if the holder lacks a related water-use licence or consent.
It is a criminal offence to take water from a place outside Victoria or outside a declared water system without approval.
Fines of 60 penalty units (2026: $12,546) apply for taking water from unauthorized places.