Environmental Law: Analysis of Water Resource Management in Australia

This report provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law in Australia, with a specific focus on water resource management. It begins by defining environmental law and its importance, then discusses the impact of population growth on water resources, highlighting issues such as increased seafood imports, rising electricity costs, and the strain on infrastructure. The report examines the role of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in protecting the environment and biodiversity. It then delves into water management policies and legislations, including the Water Act 2007, Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005, and Water Regulation 2008. The report also covers water market rules, reports, and charges, as well as various national water reforms undertaken by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). It concludes by emphasizing the government's efforts in water management, suggesting further improvements such as large-scale rain harvesting and river protection schemes. The report draws on various scholarly sources to support its analysis, offering a detailed examination of the legal and practical aspects of environmental protection and water resource management in Australia.