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.

• List of water authorities

Water authorities are classified as Category 1 or Category 2.

• Category 1 water authorities
• Category 2 water authorities

Category 1 water authorities

Currently the only Category 1 water authorities in Queensland are the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and the Mount Isa Water Board (MIWB), 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 Water Industry Administration and Water Entities Oversight teams.

Gladstone Area Water Board

The GAWB provides both treated and untreated water to domestic and industrial consumers (e.g. large industrial operations such as the Callide Power Station near Biloela and supply for domestic consumption to the newly formed Gladstone Regional Council). It also provides, operates and maintains recreational facilities such as the Lake Awoonga Recreation Area.

The GAWB comprises:

• two members nominated by the Gladstone City Council (prior to amalgamation)
• two members nominated by the Calliope Shire Council (prior to amalgamation)
• three members nominated by the Chief Executive, one of whom must be the chairperson of the Board.

For further information, see the GAWB website.

Mount Isa Water Board

MIWB supplies water in bulk to Mount Isa City Council and industrial consumers including Mount Isa Mines Ltd. The Board, which is also Trustee for a Water and Recreation Reserve comprises:

• two members nominated by the Mount Isa City Council
• two members nominated by Mount Isa Mines Limited
• one member nominated by the Chief Executive.

Contacts

General Manager
Mount Isa Water Board
PO Box 1712
Mount Isa, Qld 4825.

Director, Water Entities Oversight
Telephone: (07) 3225 1356
Facsimile: (07) 3224 2187
Email: Susan Reilly

Manager, Water Industry Finance Economics and Policy
Telephone: (07) 3224 2862
Facsimile: (07) 3224 2187
Email: Shannon Murphy

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 Office of the Water Supply Regulator is currently responsible for the administration and oversight of 53 Category 2 water authorities, established under Chapter 4 of the Water Act 2000.

To ensure that Category 2 water authorities comply with their statutory duties, The Office of the Regulator:

• 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 of the Office 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 location) see:

• 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, 152 kB)*

Water authorities are also registered service providers and have statutory obligations imposed on them under Chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000.

For information about development permits, water authorities should contact their local government. Information about water entitlements may be obtained by contacting your local NRW office.

Awareness training program—slide presentation

• Awareness training (PDF, 160 kB)*
• Overview of changes in policy and legislation (PDF, 196 kB)*
• Establishing a water authority (PDF, 252 kB)*
• Functions of water authorities (PDF, 240 kB)*
• Powers of water authorities and service providers (PDF, 416 kB)*
• Obligations of water authorities and service providers (PDF, 412 kB)*
• Reserve powers (PDF, 180 kB)*
• Appointment and role of directors and the Board of Directors (PDF, 336 kB)*
• Directors and employees duties (PDF, 552 kB)*
• Compliance (PDF, 212 kB)*
• Changes to water authorities (PDF, 384 kB)*

Contacts

Acting Manager, Water Industry Administration
Telephone: (07) 3239 3024
Facsimile: (07) 3224 2187
Email: Graeme Harper

Project Officer, Water Industry Administration
Telephone: (07) 3239 3901
Facsimile: (07) 3224 2187
Email: Leon Senior

*Requires Acrobat Reader