Water authorisations for associated water
The water authorisation requirements for associated water are outlined below and summarised in the table at the bottom of this page.
Coal and mineral mining projects
Resource authorities this applies to
- Mineral development licence
- Mining lease
Requirements
Pre 6 December 2016 applications
Transitional provisions apply to mining projects that had proceeded part way, or completely, through the environmental authority and mining tenure application process prior to 6 December 2016 (when the legislative amendments commenced). These projects may require an associated water licence.
Post 6 December 2016 applications
Mining projects whose application for an environmental authority and mining tenure was made on or after 6 December 2016 have statutory rights to associated water provided under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (underground water rights). These projects do not need an associated water licence but have reporting obligations.
Groundwater impacts from these projects will be assessed upfront and conditioned under their environmental authority.
Ongoing impacts to groundwater are managed through the underground water management framework, which includes obligations for resource authority holders.
Petroleum and gas projects
Resource authorities this applies to
- Authority to prospect
- Petroleum lease
Requirements
Petroleum and gas authority holders have statutory rights to associated water (underground water rights) provided under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 or the Petroleum Act 1923. These projects do not need an associated water licence but have reporting obligations.
Groundwater impacts from these projects will be assessed upfront and conditioned under their environmental authority.
Ongoing impacts to groundwater are managed through the underground water management framework, which includes obligations for resource authority holders.
Summary of requirements
| Resource authority type | Application date | Requirements for water entitlements |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum and gas authorities | N/A | None required |
| Mining leases and mineral development licences | Environmental authority applied for on or after 6 December 2016 | None required |
| Mining leases and mineral development licences | Environmental authority applied for before 6 December 2016 | Associated water licence may be required |
Also consider…
- Read more about water reporting for coal and mineral activities.
- Find out more about water reporting for petroleum and gas activities.
- View the technical information requirements for an environmental authority application.
- Last reviewed: 6 Dec 2019
- Last updated: 6 Dec 2019