Victorian Numbered Acts

WATER AND CATCHMENT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT ACT 2019 (NO. 23 OF 2019) - SECT 18

After section 22P of the Principal Act insert —

        " 22PA     Time for completion of reviews etc. following long-term water resources assessment

    (1)     If a long-term water resources assessment identifies a decline or deterioration referred to in section 22P(1)(a) or (b), the Minister, within 2 years and 6 months after the Minister endorsed that assessment, must—

        (a)     endorse a Sustainable Water Strategy or a review of a Sustainable Water Strategy that sets out the action to be taken to address the matters referred to in section 22P(1)(c) or (d); or

        (b)     complete a review under section 22P that set outs the action to be taken to address the matters referred to in section 22P(1)(c) or (d).

    (2)     Despite subsection (1), the Minister may decide to extend the time to determine the action required to be taken.

    (3)     The Minister must publish notice of a decision under subsection (2) and reasons for it on the Department's Internet site.

    (4)     Failure to endorse a Sustainable Water Strategy or a review of a Sustainable Water Strategy or to complete a review under section 22P setting out the action that is required to be taken to address the matters referred to in section 22P(1)(c) or (d) within the time specified in subsection (1) does not affect—

        (a)     the validity of the Strategy or review; or

        (b)     any action, including any action under section 33AAB, the Minister takes following the preparation of the Strategy or completion of the review.".