Water authorities
The main function of a water authority is to carry out the 'water activities' on which it decides. In prescribed circumstances, a water authority may conduct such activities outside its authority area.
Water authorities are classified as Category 1 or Category 2:
Category 1 water authorities
Currently the only Category 1 water authorities in Queensland are the Gladstone Area Water Board and the Mount Isa Water Board, which began operations as Category 1 commercialised water authorities on 1 October 2000. To ensure they comply with their statutory responsibilities, these authorities are overseen by the Sustainable Water Entity Governance (SWEG) team.
Gladstone Area Water Board
The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) provides both treated and untreated water for domestic and industrial purposes (e.g. the Gladstone Regional Council and large industrial operations such as the Callide Power Station near Biloela). It also manages recreational facilities such as the Lake Awoonga Recreation Area.
The GAWB comprises:
- 4 members nominated by the Gladstone Regional Council
- 3 members nominated by the chief executive, 1 of whom must be the chairperson of the board.
For more information, visit the GAWB website.
Mount Isa Water Board
The Mount Isa Water Board (MIWB) supplies water in bulk to Mount Isa City Council and industrial consumers including Xstrata MIM. The board, which is also Trustee for a water and recreation reserve, comprises:
- 2 members nominated by the Mount Isa City Council
- 2 members nominated by Xstrata MIM
- 1 member nominated by the chief executive.
For more information, visit the MIWB website.
Contact us
Director, Sustainable Water Entity Governance
Telephone: 07 3330 5775
Facsimile: 07 3330 6116
Manager, Major Entities Client Services
Telephone: 07 3330 5562
Facsimile: 07 3330 6116
Category 2 water authorities
All former water areas and water boards in existence when the Water Act 2000 commenced, continue under the Act as authority areas and water authorities, respectively.
The SWEG team in the Urban Water Policy and Management business group within the Department of Environment and Resource Management is responsible for the administration and oversight of 52 Category 2 water authorities, established under Chapter 4 of the Water Act 2000.
To assist Category 2 water authorities comply with their statutory duties, SWEG:
- provides information about accountability requirements
- ensures best practice in corporate governance
- encourages community involvement in making and implementing arrangements for using, conserving and sustainably managing water.
Functions undertaken by SWEG in relation to Category 2 water authorities include:
- performing the statutory functions of the chief executive as detailed in Chapter 4 of the Water Act 2000
- managing the statutory appointment of directors
- expediting the tabling of the summary of annual reports and financial statements of Category 2 water authorities
- advising about statutory processes, roles, responsibilities and government policy relevant to statutory authorities
- managing the annual capital works borrowing program
- developing, preparing and implementing legislative and non-legislative government policy
- preparing guidelines, procedures and approved forms.
Further information
For general information about water authorities (including membership, contact details and locations) see:
- details of water authorities
- summary of annual reports of Queensland's Category 2 water authorities
- register of statutory bodies maintained by the Department of Premier and Cabinet
- location map (PDF, 221K)*.
Water authorities are also registered service providers and have statutory obligations imposed on them under Chapter 2 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.
For information about development permits, water authorities should contact their local government. Information about water entitlements may be obtained by contacting your local DERM office.
Transfer of Category 2 water authorities' functions
In March 2008, the Premier announced an independent review of government boards, committees and statutory authorities. The review sought to identify ways to improve the overall efficiency of government bodies while maintaining the integrity and security of necessary regulatory functions. Find out more about the Webbe-Weller review.
This review, known as the Webbe-Weller review, included a recommendation that the functions of Category 2 water authorities be transferred to local government or alternate non-government entities. The Queensland Government has agreed with this recommendation.
Read more about the Webbe-Weller review and Category 2 water authorities.
Contact us
Principal Project Officer, Water Authority Governance and Transition
Telephone: (07) 3330 6089
Facsimile: (07) 3330 6116
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 5 November 2010
Last updated 9 February 2010