Our role

The Queensland Water Commission was established as an independent statutory body in June 2006, under the Water Act 2000, with responsibility for achieving safe, secure and sustainable water supplies in South East Queensland (SEQ). This jurisdiction and role can be augmented by the Minister under the Act.

In December 2010 the Commission’s role was extended to include managing the impacts on groundwater levels of water extraction by petroleum and gas tenure holders, which includes coal seam gas producers.

The portfolio ministers for the Commission, under the Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 1) 2011, are the Minister for Energy and Water Utilities, Stephen Robertson and the Minister for Environment, Vicky Darling.

The Commission’s roles are described in Chapter 2A and Chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000.

Chapter 2A sets out the following functions for the QWC in SEQ and designated regions:

• Advise the Minister on matters relating to water supply and demand management for water.
• Advise the Minister on the delivery of desired levels of service objectives for water supplied to the SEQ region and designated regions.
• Facilitate and implement regional water security programs.
• Ensure compliance with the programs and with Commission water restrictions.

Chapter 3 sets out the following functions for managing impacts on groundwater levels of water extraction by petroleum tenure holders:

• Prepare underground water impact reports for cumulative management areas.
• Establish and maintain a database of information about underground water.
• Advise the Chief Executive of the Department of Environment and Resource Management on matters relating to impacts of coal seam gas water extraction on groundwater resources.

The Commission works collaboratively with all stakeholders to undertake these functions and to ensure that communities and businesses understand and support its activities.