The CK Agribusiness group has been watching and receiving reports of much needed rain falling in certain parts of Queensland and New South Wales. While not widespread and more being required, the water has provided relief to a number of communities severely affected by drought and increased hopes for the winter crop. For all stakeholders we hope reports of more to come are true as water is one of the key components of a successful agribusiness operation. The efficient use, distribution and regulation of it cannot be stressed enough in the current dry times.

In Queensland, recent reforms made by the Water Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act amended a number of legislative acts that govern water usage. 

Reforms include:

• support for the expansion of water markets across Queensland;
  
• amendment to the Mineral Resources Act and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act so both the mining and petroleum and gas sectors in Queensland will operate under the one consistent framework for the management of groundwater;
  
• support for the accelerated transition of water licences to tradeable water allocations; and
  
• provide a framework for allowing use of water for particular low risk activities without a licence.
  

With a long history of drought likely to repeat itself, even those fortunate enough to have received some of the recent falls should be aware of the new rules and rights affecting their use of water.