Authorisations for surface water, overland flow and non-associated underground water
Entitlements for surface water, overland flow water and non-associated underground water are managed under the same processes that apply to all rural water users, and come with the same rights and obligations.
Authorisations to take water
Surface water and overland flow
You will generally need an authorisation to take surface water and overland flow water. The requirements depend on the water plan in the catchment where the project is located.
Non-associated underground water
If you plan to take underground water (also called ‘groundwater’), you'll need an authorisation (i.e. water licence or permit) if you are in an area where underground water is managed. Check the water plan for any management rules, as well as the list of declared underground water areas in the Water Regulation 2016, Schedule 17.
Water plans and underground water management areas can be viewed on Queensland Globe.
Authorisations to interfere with water
Water licences may be required for watercourse diversions and impoundments.
In some circumstances, the diversion may be authorised under an environmental authority process. Otherwise, a separate water licence will be required under the Water Act 2000.
- Read the Guideline: Works that interfere with water in a watercourse for a resource activity—watercourse diversions authorised under the Water Act 2000 (PDF, 2MB) for assistance, and contact your local business centre to confirm requirements.
In some cases, resource extraction can cause land subsidence (the gradual or sudden sinking of the land). This can result in ‘ponding’ as overland flow water settles in the subsided land. This is an example of interference with overland flow water. Under the Water Act 2000, these instances of unintentional overland flow interference are allowed and do not require an entitlement.
If you are excavating or placing fill in rivers or lakes you will generally need a riverine protection permit.
Development approvals for water-related works
Water-related works, such as water bores, wells or dams, may need a development approval under the Planning Act 2016 if located outside of the resource tenure. These are administered by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure.
Summary of requirements
| Type of water | Used for | Authorisations |
|---|---|---|
| Surface water, overland flow, underground water | Emergencies, firefighting, disaster preparation and recovery | Generally not required |
| Surface water, overland flow, non-associated underground water | Consumptive uses |
Allocation, licence or permit to take water required – check the water plan and the Water Regulation Development approval for associated works, such as pumps and bores may be required |
| Surface water | Watercourse diversions | Water licence may be required unless the diversion is authorised by your environmental authority Development approval to construct associated works may be required |
| Overland flow | Interference with overland flow, e.g. longwall coal mining induced subsidence | Not required |
| Surface water | Excavations, placing fill or interfering with native vegetation in watercourses, lakes and springs | Riverine protection permit usually required |