Water Resources Amendment Bill Public Consultation

The Ministry of Home Affairs, recognising the need for enhanced environmental protection of public water, seawater, and groundwater, is pleased to present this draft bill titled the "Water Resources Amendment Bill" and allow the public to provide feedback on the document.

Please click on the above PDFs to access relevant information to review, inform, and assist the public throughout this consultation process, and provide your constructive feedback here on the Government forum. 

The public is encouraged to consider this list of questions relating to proposed changes included in the Water Resources Amendment Bill as a basis for providing their feedback and comments: 

1. What pollution limits should be established above ground to prevent the pollution of public water and seawater resources? 
2. What environmental pollution standards should be created under the new regulations. 
3. How should enforcement powers under the Water Resources Act 1975 and the Water Resources (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Boats) Regulations 2018 be increased? 
4. Should fines be increased, what would you consider an appropriate amount to deter behaviours that pollute the environment?
5. To help manage waste being discharged into the sea, should marine outfalls be included under the definition of 'works’? 
6. In the interest of protecting our environment, how soon should pollution events be reported to the authorities? 
7. To reduce the risk of pollution events, what information should be included in publicly available best practice guidelines?