Looking after all our water needs
Licensing and Water Industry Services » Licensing » Licenses

Licences

Licences issued under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914

5C Licence

A 5C licence allows the licence holder to “take” water from a watercourse, wetland or underground source. Under the provisions of section 5C of RIWI, unless a person holds a licence, any unauthorised taking of water is prohibited except where a person has another right to do so or is exempt from licensing. Application forms for 5C licences

26D Licences

A 26D licence is issued under the provisions of section 26D of the RIWI Act to construct or alter wells. A 26D licence is required to:

  • Commence, construct, enlarge, deepen or alter any artesian well [26A(1)]; or
  • Commence, construct, enlarge, deepen or alter any non-artesian well in a proclaimed Groundwater area [26B(3)(a)].

A 26D licence does not allow the licence holder to “take” water although a person may apply for a 26D licence and 5C licence (to take water) simultaneously by completing Form A. Application forms for 26D licences.

Permits issued under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914

11/17/21A permit

Permits are granted by the Commission to authorise interference or obstruction of the bed and banks of a watercourse or wetland.

Water cannot be “taken” under a permit, however, in many instances; persons exercising their section 10 and 21 rights in proclaimed and unproclaimed areas require a permit to do anything. This includes installing any works or object, that causes the obstruction of or interference to a watercourse or wetland or its bed or banks, in order to exercise their right to take water under these sections.

Permits can be issued under the RIWI act under the following sections:

  • Section 11 permit – works pertaining to the taking of water in a proclaimed area where access is via road or crown reserve
  • Section 17 permit – works pertaining to the taking of water in a proclaimed area
  • Section 21A permit – works pertaining to the taking of water in an unproclaimed area where access is via road or crown reserve

Application forms for permits

Exemptions

The RIWI Act contains provisions for exemptions from licences and permits. These exemptions may apply to certain stock and domestic and dewatering situations. Please contact your regional office for further information.