Action item 7.1
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers. Recommendation has been implemented.
That the Water Act be amended prior to the grant of any further exploration approvals to require gas companies to obtain water extraction licences under that Act.
Target completion date
Completed.
Reform area
Safeguarding water and the environment
Project action
Assessing, protecting and monitoring water resources
Lead agency
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
Action item update
Implementation
The Water Act 1992 was amended to remove the exemption apply to the petroleum and ancillary activities and the changes commenced on 31 December 2018. Groundwater extraction for petroleum and ancillary activities now requires a water extraction licence and is regulated under the Water Act 1992.