Fines for Unauthorized Water Take and Interference with Metering Equipment
Water Management Legislation Amendment (Stronger Enforcement and Penalties) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Rose Jackson (ALP), Steve Whan (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People face Tier 2 penalties for taking water without a valid access licence allocation.
Aquifer interference approval holders face Tier 2 or Tier C penalties for activities not authorised by their approval.
Fines apply to anyone who damages or disconnects water management metering equipment.
Co-holders of an access licence or approval are vicariously liable for civil penalties.
Authorised officers must give a receipt within 24 hours of seizing an item.
The Minister can direct how forfeited items are disposed of.
The Land and Environment Court settles disputes over financial assurances.
The Natural Resources Access Regulator can appeal criminal sentences to the Court of Criminal Appeal.