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TASMANIA
__________
WATER AND SEWERAGE INDUSTRY
AMENDMENT BILL 2008
__________
CONTENTS
1. Short title
2. Commencement
3. Principal Act
4. Section 3 amended (Interpretation)
5. Section 20 amended (General provisions relating to codes)
6. Section 47 amended (Emergency directions)
7. Part 4, Division 2A inserted
Division 2A Powers and obligations of regulated entities
Subdivision 1 Water and sewerage officers
56A. Appointment of water and sewerage officers
56B. Conditions of appointment
56C. Water and sewerage officer's identity card
56D. Production of identity card
Subdivision 2 Functions and powers relating to water
infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure
56E. Power to carry out work on public land
56F. Power to enter land for purposes related to water
infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure
56G. Acquisition of land, &c.
56H. Acquisition and use of land for water infrastructure
and sewerage infrastructure
56I. Work on water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure
56J. Extensions to water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure
[Bill 71]-I
56K. Right to cut off supply where repairs are necessary
56L. Regulated entity may reduce or restrict water supply
56M. Regulated entity may cut off supply of regulated
services to avert danger
Subdivision 3 Planning referrals
56N. Interpretation
56O. Application to go to relevant regulated entity
56P. Action by relevant regulated entity
56Q. Planning authority's decision
56R. Notification of decision and appeal
56S. Referral to regulated entities of draft amendments to
planning schemes
56T. Additional information
Subdivision 4 Connections and serviced properties
56U. Connections
56V. Requirement to connect or disconnect
56W. Structures over works
56X. Removal of trees
56Y. Notice to repair
56Z. Notice of contravention
Subdivision 5 Installation, reading and testing of meters
56ZA. Entry to install and read meters
56ZB. Installation and replacement of meters
56ZC. Ownership of meter
56ZD. Damage, destruction or removal of meter
Subdivision 6 Functions and powers of regulated entities
relating to fire protection
56ZE. Installation of fire hydrants
56ZF. Maintenance and marking of fire hydrants
56ZG. Supply of water to fire hydrant
56ZH. Use of fire hydrant by authorised persons
Subdivision 7 General
56ZI. Interference with water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure
56ZJ. Diversion of water or sewage
56ZK. Obstruction
56ZL. Order for costs
56ZM. Recovery for loss or damage
56ZN. Application and issue of warrant
56ZO. Urgent situations
56ZP. Recreational use of public water supplies
56ZQ. Land information request
56ZR. Distillery Creek discharge
8. Section 65 amended (Price and service plan)
2
9. Section 68A inserted
68A. Service charges
10. Section 70 amended (State of the industry report)
11. Section 88 amended (Interim price order)
3
4
WATER AND SEWERAGE INDUSTRY
AMENDMENT BILL 2008
(Brought in by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water,
the Honourable David Edward Llewellyn)
A BILL FOR
An Act to amend the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008
Be it enacted by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, by
and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and
House of Assembly, in Parliament assembled, as follows:
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Water and
Sewerage Industry Amendment Act 2008.
2. Commencement
The provisions of this Act commence on a day
or days to be proclaimed.
3. Principal Act
In this Act, the Water and Sewerage Industry Act
2008* is referred to as the Principal Act.
*No. 13 of 2008
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4. Section 3 amended (Interpretation)
Section 3 of the Principal Act is amended as
follows:
(a) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "annual performance
reporting requirements":
"Appeal Tribunal" means the
Resource Management and
Planning Appeal Tribunal
established under the Resource
Management and Planning
Appeal Tribunal Act 1993;
(b) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "area of operations":
"Australian Standard" means a
standard issued by the Standards
Association of Australia, being
the body known as Standards
Australia;
(c) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "code":
"combined system" means a system
that is, or is to be, one for both
sewage and stormwater;
(d) by inserting the following definitions
after the definition of "Common Services
Corporation":
"connection point" means
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(a) the point at which the
customer's pipes connect
with the water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure; or
(b) such other point as may
be prescribed in the
regulations;
"Corporation" has the same meaning
as in the Water and Sewerage
Corporations Act 2008;
(e) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "environmental harm":
"fire hydrant" means an assembly
installed on a water pipe which
provides a valved outlet to permit
a controlled supply of water to be
taken from a pipeline for fire
fighting purposes;
(f) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "interim licence":
"land" includes
(a) buildings and other
structures erected on the
land; and
(b) land covered with water;
and
(c) water covering land;
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(g) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "licence":
"meter" means a device used for the
measurement of the flow of water
or sewage
(a) through water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure; or
(b) such other infrastructure
or system as may be
prescribed in the
regulations;
(h) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "Ombudsman":
"operational work", in relation to
water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure, means
(a) locating, inspecting,
testing, operating,
maintaining, repairing,
altering, adding to,
installing, upgrading,
replacing or removing the
water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure;
or
(b) excavating land in order
to carry out work of a
kind referred to in
paragraph (a);
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(i) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "person":
"planning authority" means a
planning authority within the
meaning of the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act
1993;
(j) by inserting the following definitions
after the definition of "price
determination":
"protective work", in relation to
water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure, means
(a) work that is necessary or
expedient for the
protection of
infrastructure or public
safety; or
(b) excavating land in order
to carry out work of a
kind referred to in
paragraph (a);
"public land" means
(a) land owned by the Crown;
or
(b) land owned by an
instrumentality or agent
of the Crown; or
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(c) land owned by a council
that is public land under
section 177A of the Local
Government Act 1993;
(k) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "reserve supplier":
"serviced land" means land referred
to in section 56U(1)(b);
(l) by inserting "and includes the connection
point" after "sewage" in paragraph (a) of
the definition of "sewerage
infrastructure";
(m) by omitting "but" from the definition of
"sewerage infrastructure" and
substituting "and includes a combined
system but";
(n) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "sewerage service":
"sewerage system" means the pipes,
fittings, meters and other
connected accessories required
for or incidental to the discharge
or conveyance of sewage to a
regulated entity's sewerage
infrastructure, but does not
include the regulated entity's
sewerage infrastructure;
(o) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "water":
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"water and sewerage officer" means
an officer appointed under
section 56A;
(p) by inserting "and includes the connection
point" after "water" in paragraph (c) of
the definition of "water infrastructure";
(q) by omitting "electricity." from paragraph
(b) of the definition of "water service"
and substituting "electricity;";
(r) by inserting the following definition after
the definition of "water service":
"water system" means the pipes,
fittings, meters and other
connected accessories required
for or incidental to the supply and
measurement of water provided
by a regulated entity, but does not
include a regulated entity's water
infrastructure.
5. Section 20 amended (General provisions relating to
codes)
Section 20 of the Principal Act is amended as
follows:
(a) by omitting from subsection (1) "The"
and substituting "Subject to
subsection (1A), the";
(b) by inserting the following subsection
after subsection (1):
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(1A) The Regulator must issue a code
for any matter prescribed in the
regulations relating to or
incidental to meters.
6. Section 47 amended (Emergency directions)
Section 47 of the Principal Act is amended as
follows:
(a) by omitting from subsection (2)
"Director of Environmental
Management" and substituting "Director,
Environment Protection Authority";
(b) by omitting from subsection (3)
"Director of Environmental
Management" and substituting "Director,
Environment Protection Authority".
7. Part 4, Division 2A inserted
After section 56 of the Principal Act, the
following Division is inserted in Part 4:
Division 2A Powers and obligations of regulated entities
Subdivision 1 Water and sewerage officers
56A. Appointment of water and sewerage officers
(1) A regulated entity may appoint persons
employed by that regulated entity as
water and sewerage officers.
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(2) In the exercise of a water and sewerage
officer's powers under this Act, the water
and sewerage officer is subject to control
and direction by the relevant regulated
entity.
56B. Conditions of appointment
(1) A water and sewerage officer holds
office for such period, and on such
conditions, as are stated in the water and
sewerage officer's instrument of
appointment.
(2) A water and sewerage officer may resign
by written notice given to the relevant
regulated entity.
(3) A water and sewerage officer may be
removed from office by the relevant
regulated entity for any reason that the
regulated entity considers sufficient.
56C. Water and sewerage officer's identity card
(1) A regulated entity must provide each
water and sewerage officer with an
identity card.
(2) The identity card is in force for the
period specified in the card.
(3) The identity card must
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(a) contain a photograph of the water
and sewerage officer taken for the
purpose; and
(b) be signed by the water and
sewerage officer; and
(c) identify the person as a water and
sewerage officer for the relevant
regulated entity; and
(d) be signed by the chief executive
officer of the relevant regulated
entity.
56D. Production of identity card
A water and sewerage officer must,
before exercising a power that may affect
a person, produce the officer's identity
card for inspection on demand by the
person.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 10 penalty
units.
Subdivision 2 Functions and powers relating to water
infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure
56E. Power to carry out work on public land
(1) Subject to this section, a regulated entity
may
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(a) install water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure on public
land; and
(b) carry out operational work or
protective work on water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure on public land; and
(c) carry out other work on public
land for the provision of a water
service or a sewerage service.
(2) Subject to this section, a regulated entity
must
(a) unless otherwise agreed between
the regulated entity and the
authority responsible for the
management of the public land
(the "responsible authority"), or
in the case of an emergency, give
the responsible authority on
whose land the regulated entity
intends to carry out work not less
than 7 days' written notice of the
regulated entity's intention to
carry out work on the land; and
(b) before commencing the work,
secure the responsible authority's
agreement as to how the work is
to be carried out.
(3) Any agreement under subsection (2) may
include conditions that the responsible
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authority considers appropriate in the
public interest.
(4) Prior notice is not required under
subsection (2) for work of a kind
prescribed by the regulations for the
purposes of this section.
(5) Agreement is not required under
subsection (2) for work of a kind
prescribed by the regulations for the
purposes of this section.
(6) In an emergency, a regulated entity may
carry out any work specified in
subsection (1) at any time and
(a) may be accompanied by such
other persons as the regulated
entity considers necessary or
appropriate; and
(b) may bring on to the land any
vehicles and equipment that the
regulated entity considers
necessary or appropriate for the
work which the regulated entity is
to carry out on the land.
(7) If the responsible authority, on being
given notice under subsection (2),
decides to
(a) include, in the agreement under
that subsection, conditions that
the regulated entity considers
unreasonable; or
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(b) dispute that the regulated entity is
entitled to carry out the proposed
work
the regulated entity may appeal to the
Appeal Tribunal.
(8) Subsection (7) does not apply if the
responsible authority is a Minister or a
person or body to whom directions may
be given by a Minister in respect of the
matter in dispute.
(9) Except as provided by subsection (10),
the Appeal Tribunal is to hear and
determine the appeal in accordance with
the Resource Management and Planning
Appeal Tribunal Act 1993.
(10) Notwithstanding section 14(2) of the
Resource Management and Planning
Appeal Tribunal Act 1993, the Appeal
Tribunal must not, under that section,
allow any person other than the regulated
entity and the responsible authority to be
a party to the appeal.
(11) A regulated entity must make good, to
the satisfaction of the responsible
authority, any damage caused by the
exercise of powers under this section as
soon as practicable.
(12) If a regulated entity fails to make good,
to the satisfaction of the responsible
authority, any damage caused by the
exercise of powers under this section, the
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responsible authority may make good the
damage itself.
(13) The cost of making good the damage
referred to in subsection (12) may be
recovered by the responsible authority in
a court of competent jurisdiction as a
debt owed to it by the regulated entity.
(14) This section does not derogate from an
obligation to comply with any other Act.
56F. Power to enter land for purposes related to
water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure
(1) A water and sewerage officer of a
regulated entity may
(a) enter and remain on land to carry
out preliminary investigations in
connection with the installation of
water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure; or
(b) enter and remain on land where
the water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure of the
regulated entity is situated to
carry out operational work or
protective work on the
infrastructure; or
(c) enter and remain on any land for
the purposes of carrying out
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operational or protective work on
land on which water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure is situated.
(2) A water and sewerage officer of a
regulated entity may only exercise a
power of entry under this section
between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
on any day.
(3) Subject to this section, if a water and
sewerage officer seeks to enter on land
under this section, the officer must give
the occupier of the land not less than 7
days' written notice stating the reason
and the date and time of the proposed
entry.
(4) If the proposed entry is refused or
obstructed, a water and sewerage officer
may obtain a warrant under section 56ZN
to enter on the land.
(5) In an emergency, a water and sewerage
officer may exercise a power of entry
under this section
(a) at any time and without prior
notice if it is not practicable to
give such notice; and
(b) if necessary in the circumstances,
by the use of reasonable force.
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(6) When a water and sewerage officer
enters on land under this section, the
officer
(a) may be accompanied by such
other persons as the officer
considers necessary or
appropriate; and
(b) may bring on to the land any
vehicles and equipment that the
officer considers necessary or
appropriate for the work which
the water and sewerage officer is
to carry out on the land.
(7) A water and sewerage officer must be
accompanied by a police officer
(a) when entering on land with the
authority of a warrant under
section 56ZN; and
(b) if it is practicable to do so, when
entering on land by force in an
emergency.
(8) Subject to this section, a regulated entity
must make good any damage caused by
the exercise of powers under this section
as soon as practicable or pay reasonable
compensation for the damage.
(9) If the owner of the land and the regulated
entity do not agree as to the extent of
compensation, or the regulated entity
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refuses to pay compensation, the claim
for compensation is to be determined
(a) if it is a minor civil claim within
the meaning of the Magistrates
Court (Civil Division) Act 1992,
by the minor civil claims division
of the Magistrates Court; or
(b) in any other case, as if it were a
disputed claim for compensation
under the Land Acquisition Act
1993.
56G. Acquisition of land, &c.
(1) A regulated entity is an acquiring
authority under the Land Acquisition Act
1993 and may acquire land under that
Act for the purposes of the operations
that the regulated entity is authorised to
carry on under its licence.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a
regulated entity
(a) is taken to be a public authority
for the purposes of section
90A(1) of the Conveyancing and
Law of Property Act 1884 and,
accordingly, may acquire by
compulsory process an easement
referred to in that section; and
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(b) may enter into, or acquire, the
benefit of a covenant in gross,
within the meaning of section
90AB of that Act.
(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2),
a regulated entity may acquire land by
compulsory process only if the
acquisition is authorised in writing by the
Minister.
(4) Regulations may be made under this Act
modifying the Land Acquisition Act 1993
in its application to the acquisition of
land by regulated entities under that Act,
but not so as to affect the monetary
entitlements of persons from whom land
is acquired.
56H. Acquisition and use of land for water
infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure
(1) Where
(a) a regulated entity acquires land
under this Act for the purposes of
undertaking operational work or
protective work on water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure; and
(b) the dimensions of the land are
within limits fixed by the
regulations; and
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(c) the proposed use of the land
complies with requirements
imposed by the regulations for
the purposes of this section
a subdivision of land necessary to give
effect to the acquisition is not to be
regarded as development for the purposes
of the Land Use Planning and Approvals
Act 1993 and is not subject in any other
way to that Act.
(2) If the use of the land complies with
requirements imposed by the regulations,
the use is not affected by the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
56I. Work on water infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure
Where
(a) a regulated entity proposes to
carry out work on the
construction, installation,
modification, maintenance,
demolition or replacement of
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure; and
(b) the work is of a kind prescribed
in the regulations and meets the
criteria specified in the
regulations
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the work is not to be regarded as
development or use for the purposes of
the Land Use Planning and Approvals
Act 1993 and is not subject in any other
way to that Act.
56J. Extensions to water infrastructure and
sewerage infrastructure
(1) A person may, in writing, request a
regulated entity to extend or expand its
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure.
(2) A price and service plan submitted by a
regulated entity for approval by the
Regulator under section 65 must
include
(a) a policy that sets out the
circumstances in which it will
extend and expand its water
infrastructure and sewerage
infrastructure, including the
circumstances in which it will
extend or expand its water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure at the request of a
person; and
(b) the terms and conditions that will
apply to such an extension or
expansion.
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(3) A regulated entity must extend or expand
its water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure in accordance with its price
and service plan approved by the
Regulator under section 65.
(4) Until a price and service plan is approved
by the Regulator under section 65, the
regulated entity must develop a policy
that sets out the circumstances in which it
will extend and expand its water
infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure
and include in that policy the terms and
conditions that will apply to such an
extension or expansion.
(5) The regulated entity must publish on its
website the policy and terms and
conditions referred to in subsection (4).
56K. Right to cut off supply where repairs are
necessary
(1) A regulated entity may, for the purpose
of carrying out operational work,
protective work or any similar work, cut
off the provision of a water service or a
sewerage service for a reasonable period
without any liability for failure to
provide a water service or sewerage
service.
(2) If a regulated entity exercises its power
under subsection (1), it must give
reasonable notice, in writing, to all
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persons whose water service or sewerage
service is to be cut off, of the time when
it is expected to be cut off and when it
will be restored.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 50 penalty
units.
(3) If the water service or sewerage service
fails or is cut off in an emergency, the
regulated entity is not required to give
notice under subsection (2).
56L. Regulated entity may reduce or restrict
water supply
(1) A regulated entity may reduce or restrict
the quantity of water supplied to any
person if
(a) the regulated entity is, because of
a shortage of water or for any
other unavoidable cause, unable
to supply the quantity of water
which would otherwise be
supplied to the person; or
(b) the regulated entity believes that
the reduction or restriction is
necessary to avoid future water
shortages.
(2) If a regulated entity exercises its power
under subsection (1), it must publish in a
newspaper circulating generally in the
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area in which the reduction or restriction
is to apply, a notice of the proposed
reduction or restriction.
(3) A regulated entity that reduces or
restricts the supply of water to a person
in accordance with this section is not
liable to any claim or demand in respect
of the reduction or restriction.
(4) A regulated entity that reduces or
restricts the supply of water to a person
must do so in accordance with this Act or
regulations made under this Act in
relation to water restrictions.
56M. Regulated entity may cut off supply of
regulated services to avert danger
A regulated entity may, without incurring
any liability for failure to provide a water
service or sewerage service, cut off the
supply of a water service or sewerage
service to any relevant region, area or
land if it is, in the regulated entity's
opinion, necessary to do so to avert
danger to any person or property.
Subdivision 3 Planning referrals
56N. Interpretation
In this Subdivision
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"application" means an application to
a planning authority
(a) for a discretionary
development permit or
permitted development
permit; or
(b) for a combined permit;
"combined permit" means a permit
for a development or use
combined with the planning
scheme amendment process to
which Division 2A of Part 3 of
the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993 applies;
"condition" includes restriction;
"discretionary development permit"
means a permit for a development
or use to which section 57 of the
Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993 applies;
"notice" means written notification
including a copy of the
application, and of all plans and
other documents submitted with
the application;
"permitted development permit"
means a permit for a development
or use to which section 58 of the
Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993 applies.
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56O. Application to go to relevant regulated entity
(1) If a planning authority receives an
application in relation to any matter that
would
(a) increase the demand for water
supplied by the relevant regulated
entity; or
(b) increase the amount of sewage or
toxins that is to be removed by, or
discharged into, the relevant
regulated entity's sewerage
infrastructure; or
(c) damage or interfere with the
relevant regulated entity's works;
or
(d) adversely affect the relevant
regulated entity's operations
the planning authority must, without
delay, give the relevant regulated entity
notice of the application, unless it is
relieved from doing so under
subsection (2).
(2) The planning authority is not required to
give notice of the application
(a) if it decides to refuse to grant the
application under section 57(2) of
the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993; or
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(b) if the application is one which is
exempted by the regulations from
the requirement for notice to be
given of it to a regulated entity.
(3) The planning authority must, without
delay, provide the relevant regulated
entity
(a) with any additional information
provided under section 43E or 54
of the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993 in relation to
an application that is the subject
of a notice under subsection (1);
and
(b) with details of any amendments
to an application that is the
subject of a notice under
subsection (1) unless the planning
authority considers that the
amendment to the application
would not adversely affect the
interests of the regulated entity.
56P. Action by relevant regulated entity
(1) The relevant regulated entity may make
submissions to the planning authority on
an application that is the subject of a
notice under section 56O(1) and the
relevant regulated entity is taken to be a
person who has made representations
under section 43F(5) or 57(5) of the Land
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Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 if
it has made any such submissions.
(2) A submission made under subsection (1)
by a regulated entity to a planning
authority may include a submission
that
(a) the regulated entity does not
object to the granting of the
permit; or
(b) the regulated entity does not
object if the permit is subject to
conditions specified by the
regulated entity; or
(c) in the case of a discretionary
development permit or combined
permit, the regulated entity
objects to the granting of the
permit on any specified ground.
(3) The planning authority may assume that
the relevant regulated entity has no
submissions to make in relation to an
application of which notice has been
given under section 56O(1) if no such
submissions are received by the planning
authority within 14 days after the notice
was given to the relevant regulated entity
or within such further period the
planning authority may allow.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3), the
planning authority must allow a
reasonable further period if it receives
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notice under section 56T(1) that the
regulated entity requires additional
information.
56Q. Planning authority's decision
(1) The planning authority must take into
account any submissions made by the
relevant regulated entity under
section 56P(1) in relation to an
application that is the subject of a notice
under section 56O(1), in determining
whether to grant the permit, to attach
conditions to it or to refuse to grant a
discretionary development permit or a
combined permit.
(2) In deciding to grant the permit, the
planning authority must
(a) include any condition that a
relevant regulated entity requires;
and
(b) not attach a condition to a permit
which conflicts with any
condition included under
paragraph (a).
(3) If a regulated entity makes a submission
under section 56P(1) objecting to the
grant of a discretionary development
permit or combined permit, the planning
authority must refuse to grant the permit.
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(4) For the purposes of this Subdivision, the
planning authority is taken to have power
under the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993 to
(a) impose any conditions that the
regulated entity requires under
section 56P(2)(b); or
(b) refuse to grant a permit that the
regulated entity has objected to
the granting of under
section 56P(2)(c).
56R. Notification of decision and appeal
(1) The planning authority must, in relation
to an application of which notice has
been given under section 56O(1) whether
or not the relevant regulated entity has
provided any submission in relation to
such an application, provide the relevant
regulated entity with
(a) a copy of any permit which it
decides to grant; and
(b) a copy of any permit amended in
accordance with section 43J,
43K, 55 or 56 of the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act
1993; and
(c) a notice of its decision to refuse a
permit under section 43F(1)(b)(ii)
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or 57(2) of the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act
1993.
(2) The planning authority must give the
relevant regulated entity notice of an
appeal under section 61 of the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act 1993 in
relation to an application in respect of
which notice has been given under
section 56O(1).
(3) If an appeal under section 61 of the Land
Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
relates wholly or partly to
(a) the refusal of an application by a
planning authority as a result of
any submissions made by the
relevant regulated entity under
section 56P(1); or
(b) the imposition of conditions on a
permit by a planning authority, as
required by a relevant regulated
entity, under section 56Q(2)
the relevant regulated entity is taken to
be a party to that appeal.
56S. Referral to regulated entities of draft
amendments to planning schemes
(1) If a planning authority initiates an
amendment, under section 34 of the Land
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Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993,
of a planning scheme administered by it,
the planning authority must refer the
draft amendment to the relevant
regulated entity.
(2) The relevant regulated entity may, within
the period determined in accordance with
section 38 of the Land Use Planning and
Approvals Act 1993, submit
representations in relation to the draft
amendment to the planning authority,
and any representations submitted by a
relevant regulated entity are taken to be
representations submitted in accordance
with section 39 of the Land Use Planning
and Approvals Act 1993.
56T. Additional information
(1) A regulated entity may, by notice in
writing served on the planning authority
within the period of 7 days from the day
on which it receives a notice under
section 56O(1), require the planning
authority to provide it with additional
information before it considers the
application.
(2) If the period specified in subsection (1)
includes any days on which the office of
the planning authority is closed during
normal business hours in that part of the
State where the land subject to the
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application is situated, that period is to be
extended by the number of those days.
(3) If the regulated entity requires the
planning authority to provide it with
additional information under
subsection (1), the period referred to in
section 57(6)(b) or 58(2) of the Land Use
Planning and Approvals Act 1993,
whichever is applicable, does not run
while the request for information has not
been answered to the satisfaction of the
regulated entity.
(4) The regulated entity must, within 7 days
from the date it receives the additional
information under subsection (1), notify
the planning authority if the request for
information has not been answered to its
satisfaction, and in that notification
require the planning authority to provide
it with the additional information.
Subdivision 4 Connections and serviced properties
56U. Connections
(1) A price and service plan submitted by a
regulated entity for approval by the
Regulator under section 65 must
include
(a) a policy that sets out the
circumstances in which the
regulated entity will permit an
owner of land to connect, or
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relocate or adjust a connection, to
the regulated entity's water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure; and
(b) a description of the land, whether
identified by individual title or by
locality, it will permit to be
connected to the regulated
entity's water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure.
(2) A regulated entity must permit an owner
of land to connect, relocate or adjust a
connection to its water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure in accordance
with its price and service plan approved
by the Regulator under section 65.
(3) The terms and conditions of connection,
relocation or adjustment to a regulated
entity's water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure specified in a price and
service plan approved by the Regulator
under section 65 are binding on the
successors in title of the owner or assigns
in respect of that land.
(4) Until a price and service plan is approved
by the Regulator under section 65, the
regulated entity must develop a policy
that sets out the circumstances in which
the regulated entity will permit a
connection or relocation or adjustment of
a connection to its water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure and a description
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of the land that it will permit to be
connected to its water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure.
(5) The regulated entity must publish on its
website the policy and a description of
the land referred to in subsection (4).
56V. Requirement to connect or disconnect
(1) A regulated entity may, by notice served
on the owner or occupier of serviced
land, require the owner or occupier
(a) to connect the land to the
regulated entity's water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure for the purpose of
providing that land with water
services or sewerage services if,
after consulting with the Director
of Public Health, within the
meaning of the Public Health Act
1997, the Director is of the
opinion that the connection is to
be made in the interests of health
or safety; or
(b) to remove any existing
connection between that land and
the regulated entity's water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure if
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(i) that connection has been
made in contravention of
section 56U or it
contravenes any
regulation made under
this Act; or
(ii) in the opinion of the
regulated entity, it is
necessary to do so
(A) to protect water
purity; or
(B) in the interests of
health, safety or
the environment;
or
(C) to prevent damage
to the regulated
entity's water
infrastructure or
sewerage
infrastructure; or
(c) to carry out any work that the
regulated entity considers
necessary for the provision of a
service that is required to be
provided to that land
within the time specified in the notice, or
any longer time allowed by the regulated
entity.
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(2) Before a regulated entity serves a notice
on the owner or occupier of serviced land
requiring the owner or occupier to
remove any existing connection between
the serviced land and the regulated
entity's water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure, the regulated entity must
consult with the Director of Public
Health, within the meaning of the Public
Health Act 1997, to ensure that the
removal of the connection is in
accordance with that Act.
(3) The owner or occupier of land who has
been served with a notice under
subsection (1) must comply with the
notice within the time specified, or any
longer time allowed by the regulated
entity.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 50 penalty
units.
(4) If an owner or occupier of land who has
been served with a notice under
subsection (1) does not comply with the
notice within the time specified, or any
longer time allowed by the regulated
entity, the regulated entity may
(a) do the things that the owner or
occupier was required by the
notice to do; and
(b) recover from the owner or
occupier its reasonable costs of
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doing so, other than costs that are
prescribed in the regulations to be
the responsibility of the regulated
entity.
(5) The owner or occupier of land who has
been issued with a notice under
subsection (1) may apply to the
Magistrates Court (Administrative
Appeals Division) for a review of the
decision by the regulated entity to serve
the notice.
56W. Structures over works
(1) Unless subsection (6) applies, a person
must not, without a regulated entity's
consent, cause or permit
(a) any prescribed structure to be
built, or any filling to be placed,
on land over which
(i) an easement exists in
favour of the regulated
entity; or
(ii) an easement exists for
water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure;
or
(b) any prescribed structure to be
built, or any filling to be placed,
within 2 metres laterally of any
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water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure of the regulated
entity or such other distance as is
prescribed in the regulations; or
(c) any prescribed structure to be
built above or below any area
prohibited by paragraph (b); or
(d) to be removed any soil, rock or
other matter that supports,
protects or covers any works of
the regulated entity.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
(2) An application for the regulated entity's
consent under subsection (1) must be
made in the manner determined by the
regulated entity, and must be
accompanied by any plans and other
information that the regulated entity
requires.
(3) The regulated entity may
(a) refuse its consent; or
(b) consent; or
(c) consent subject to any terms and
conditions that it thinks fit.
(4) A person who, with the consent of a
regulated entity, causes or permits
anything referred to in subsection (1) to
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be done must make sure that it is done in
accordance with any terms and
conditions subject to which the regulated
entity gave its consent.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
(5) Terms and conditions subject to which
the regulated entity consents are binding
on the successors in title or assigns of the
person who applied for that consent.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect
of the authority responsible for the
management of a road if it is necessary
for the authority to do anything referred
to in that subsection for the purpose of
constructing a road or conducting
maintenance works on a road.
56X. Removal of trees
(1) A regulated entity may, by notice in
writing, require the owner of any land to
remove any tree on that land if the
regulated entity reasonably decides that
the tree is obstructing or damaging the
regulated entity's works or that it is
likely to obstruct or damage them.
(2) If the tree required to be removed is not
on land over which
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(a) an easement exists in favour of
the regulated entity; or
(b) an easement exists for water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure
the regulated entity must, subject to
subsection (7), pay compensation to the
owner of the land under the Land
Acquisition Act 1993.
(3) The owner may, within 7 days after
receiving a notice under subsection (1) to
remove a tree, object to the regulated
entity.
(4) A regulated entity must take into account
any objection made to it under
subsection (3) and must advise the
owner, in writing, of its decision in
relation to the objection and the reasons
for its decision.
(5) If the owner refuses or fails to comply
with the notice under subsection (1)
(a) within the time specified in the
notice; or
(b) if the owner has objected, within
7 days after the owner receives
notice from the regulated entity
that the objection is not upheld;
or
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(c) within any longer time allowed
by the regulated entity
the regulated entity may, after giving 21
days' notice of its intention to do so,
remove the tree and recover from the
owner the reasonable costs of the
removal.
(6) The regulated entity may recover from
the owner the reasonable cost of any
repairs to the regulated entity's works
that are necessary to repair the damage
caused by a tree that is removed by the
owner or the regulated entity after
service of a notice under subsection (1).
(7) A regulated entity is not liable to pay
compensation for the removal of a tree
that is planted after the completion of the
works of the regulated entity that are
obstructed, damaged or at risk.
(8) The owner of land who is aggrieved by
the decision of the regulated entity under
subsection (4) may apply to the
Magistrates Court (Administrative
Appeals Division) for a review of the
decision.
56Y. Notice to repair
(1) A regulated entity may, by notice served
on the owner of land, require the owner
to repair or carry out maintenance on,
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within the time specified in the notice or
any longer time allowed by the regulated
entity, any water or sewerage works on
that land or that connect the land to the
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure of the regulated entity or
that are necessary for any service
provided to the land by the regulated
entity.
(2) Any notice received under subsection (1)
may not require any repairs or
maintenance on any works referred to in
subsection (1) to be carried out otherwise
than in accordance with the Building Act
2000.
(3) If a notice to repair is not complied with
within the time specified in it, or any
longer time allowed by the regulated
entity, the regulated entity may carry out
the required repairs and recover its
reasonable costs from each owner on
whom the notice was served, other than
costs that are prescribed to be the
responsibility of the regulated entity.
56Z. Notice of contravention
(1) A regulated entity may, by notice served
on a person who is in contravention of
(a) a provision of this Division or the
regulations; or
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(b) a requirement made by the
regulated entity under this
Division or the regulations; or
(c) a condition of a permit imposed
by a planning authority as
required by a relevant regulated
entity under section 56Q(2)
require that person, or the owner of any
land in relation to which the
contravention occurs, to take any action
specified in the notice, within the time
(being not less than 2 days) that is
specified in the notice or any longer time
allowed by the regulated entity, to
remedy the contravention.
(2) A person on whom a notice of
contravention is served must cause the
notice to be complied with within the
time specified, or any longer time
allowed by the regulated entity.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
(3) If a notice of contravention is not
complied with within the time specified
or any longer time allowed by the
regulated entity, the regulated entity
may
(a) carry out any works and take any
other action that it decides is
necessary to remedy the
contravention, and recover its
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reasonable costs from the person
on whom the notice was served;
and
(b) remove or disconnect any service
to the land in relation to which
the contravention occurs, and
recover its reasonable costs from
the person on whom the notice
was served; and
(c) apply to a court for an injunction
restraining the person on whom
the notice was served from
contravening the notice.
(4) If a regulated entity removes or
disconnects any service to land under
subsection (3)(b), the removal or
disconnection is to be in accordance with
any code or licence issued under this Act
with which a regulated entity must
comply.
Subdivision 5 Installation, reading and testing of meters
56ZA. Entry to install and read meters
(1) A water and sewerage officer may enter
on land to
(a) read, or check the accuracy of, a
meter; and
(b) install, repair, modify or replace a
meter or adjoining pipe work; and
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(c) examine any water system or
sewerage system.
(2) A water and sewerage officer of a
regulated entity may only exercise the
power of entry between the hours of
7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any day, unless the
regulated entity determines that an
emergency exists.
(3) If entry is refused or obstructed, the
regulated entity, by notice in writing to
the owner or occupier of the land, may
request entry, stating the reason, date and
time of proposed entry.
(4) If entry is refused again, the regulated
entity may
(a) restrict the supply of water if it is
possible to do so without entering
on the land; or
(b) if it is not possible to restrict the
supply of water without entering
on the land, obtain a warrant
under section 56ZO to enter on
land to restrict the water supply.
(5) The regulated entity must remove the
restriction to the supply of water if
(a) the owner or occupier consents to
the entry and pays an appropriate
fee; and
(b) it is safe to enter on the land.
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(6) The appropriate fee referred to in
subsection (5)(a) may include the
reasonable costs incurred in the
installation or removal of a device used
to restrict the supply of water.
56ZB. Installation and replacement of meters
(1) A regulated entity may install a meter at
any time or at the request of a person.
(2) A regulated entity may replace an
existing meter.
(3) A regulated entity is not to install a meter
contrary to any requirements of the
National Measurement Act 1960 of the
Commonwealth or any Australian
Standard prescribed in the regulations.
(4) A regulated entity may charge a person
for the reasonable cost of
(a) a meter; and
(b) installing a meter.
(5) A person is not entitled to charge the
regulated entity any rent or charge in
relation to a meter installed by the
regulated entity.
(6) If a regulated entity intends to install a
meter on any land or intends to replace
an existing meter on any land, it may,
after consultation with the owner of the
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land, determine the location of the meter
on that land.
56ZC. Ownership of meter
(1) A regulated entity is the owner of a meter
connected directly or indirectly to its
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure whether installed before or
after the commencement of this Division
for the purpose of providing water
services or sewerage services to a person.
(2) A person does not acquire any interest in
a meter
(a) on the sale of land on which the
meter is installed; or
(b) as a result of bankruptcy or other
legal proceedings against the
owner of the land on which the
meter is installed.
56ZD. Damage, destruction or removal of meter
A person, without lawful authority, must
not
(a) modify, cause damage to, or
destroy, a meter; or
(b) remove a meter.
Penalty: In the case of
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(a) a body corporate, a fine
not exceeding 500 penalty
units; or
(b) an individual, a fine not
exceeding 100 penalty
units.
Subdivision 6 Functions and powers of regulated entities
relating to fire protection
56ZE. Installation of fire hydrants
(1) A regulated entity must install fire
hydrants at such convenient distances,
and at such places, as are necessary for
the ready supply of water to control and
extinguish fires.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply
(a) so as to require fire hydrants to be
installed on any water pipe that is
less than 100 millimetres in
diameter; or
(b) so as to require fire hydrants to be
installed if the supply of water
through the regulated entity's
water infrastructure system is not
sufficient for the operation of fire
hydrants.
(3) A regulated entity may remove any fire
hydrant referred to in subsection (1) if,
after consultation with the Chief Officer,
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within the meaning of the Fire Service
Act 1979, it is satisfied on reasonable
grounds that the fire hydrant is no longer
needed.
56ZF. Maintenance and marking of fire hydrants
(1) A regulated entity must ensure that all
fire hydrants owned or controlled by it
are maintained in effective working
order.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
(2) A regulated entity must provide
conspicuous markers for fire hydrants
owned or controlled by it.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
56ZG. Supply of water to fire hydrant
A regulated entity must at all times keep
charged with water any water
infrastructure supplying water to a fire
hydrant owned or controlled by it, unless
prevented from doing so
(a) by drought or other emergency;
or
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(b) while the regulated entity is
carrying out operational works,
protective works or any similar
works to water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure that
prevents the continuous supply.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
56ZH. Use of fire hydrant by authorised persons
(1) A person authorised by the Chief Officer,
within the meaning of the Fire Service
Act 1979, or any person authorised to do
so by a regulated entity may take water
from a fire hydrant, without payment, for
the purpose of controlling or
extinguishing fires.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), a person must
not take water from a fire hydrant unless
the Chief Officer or regulated entity has
authorised the person to do so.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
(3) A person must not use a fire hydrant
otherwise than for the following
purposes:
(a) the purpose of controlling or
extinguishing a fire;
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(b) another purpose approved by the
Chief Officer or relevant
regulated entity.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
Subdivision 7 General
56ZI. Interference with water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure
(1) A person must not cause or permit
(a) any works to be connected to the
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure of a regulated entity
except in accordance with this
Division; or
(b) the alteration or removal of, or
interference with, the water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure of a regulated entity
without the regulated entity's
consent; or
(c) anything to be discharged into the
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure of a regulated entity
without the regulated entity's
consent.
Penalty: In the case of
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(a) a body corporate, a fine
not exceeding 500 penalty
units; or
(b) an individual, a fine not
exceeding 200 penalty
units.
(2) Subsection (1)(c) does not apply to the
use of water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure by a person in accordance
with a customer contract or other
contract or arrangement entered into by
the regulated entity and that person.
56ZJ. Diversion of water or sewage
(1) A person, without lawful authority, must
not
(a) take or divert water or sewage
from water infrastructure or
sewerage infrastructure; or
(b) install a device to bypass a meter.
Penalty: In the case of
(a) a body corporate, a fine
not exceeding 500 penalty
units; or
(b) an individual, a fine not
exceeding 200 penalty
units.
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(2) In any proceedings under this section, the
following is evidence of the unlawful
taking or diversion of water or sewage:
(a) the finding of a device or
connection that would have
enabled the unlawful taking or
diversion of water or sewage;
(b) the tampering with the meter by
the defendant or someone acting
with the authority of the
defendant.
56ZK. Obstruction
A person
(a) without reasonable excuse, must
not obstruct a water and sewerage
officer or his or her agent; or
(b) must not intimidate or threaten a
water and sewerage officer or his
or her agent
in performing any function or exercising
any power under this Division.
Penalty: Fine not exceeding 100 penalty
units.
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56ZL. Order for costs
A court, in addition to imposing a
penalty for an offence under
section 56ZD, 56ZI, 56ZJ or 56ZK, may
make an order for costs in respect of any
damage caused as a result of that offence.
56ZM. Recovery for loss or damage
If a person is convicted of an offence
under this Division, the relevant
regulated entity may recover from the
person, as a debt due to the regulated
entity, the amount of the loss, or the
reasonable cost of repairing any damage,
caused by the commission of the offence.
56ZN. Application and issue of warrant
(1) A water and sewerage officer may apply
to a justice of the peace for a warrant to
enter a place specified in the application
for the purposes of performing his or her
functions, or exercising his or her
powers, under this Act.
(2) A justice of the peace may issue a
warrant to assist the water and sewerage
officer in the exercise of his or her
powers under this Act.
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(3) A warrant authorises the water and
sewerage officer, with any assistants and
by any force reasonably necessary
(a) to enter the place specified in the
warrant; and
(b) to do anything authorised by this
Act, at any time, or within any
period, specified in the warrant.
(4) A warrant is to specify the date on which,
and the time at which, the warrant ceases
to have effect.
56ZO. Urgent situations
(1) A water and sewerage officer may apply
to a justice of the peace for a warrant by
telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or
other prescribed means if the officer
considers the urgency of the situation
requires it.
(2) The justice of the peace may complete
and sign the warrant in the same way as
for a warrant applied for in person if
satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for issuing the warrant urgently.
(3) The justice of the peace must
(a) inform the relevant water and
sewerage officer of
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(i) the terms of the warrant;
and
(ii) the date on which, and the
time at which, the warrant
was signed; and
(iii) the date on which, and the
time at which, the warrant
ceases to have effect; and
(b) record on the warrant the reasons
for granting it.
(4) The relevant water and sewerage officer
must
(a) complete a form of warrant in the
same terms as the warrant signed
by the justice of the peace; and
(b) write on the form
(i) the name of the justice of
the peace; and
(ii) the date on which, and the
time at which, the warrant
was signed; and
(c) send the completed form of
warrant to the justice of the peace
not later than the day after the
warrant is executed or ceases to
have effect.
(5) On receipt of the form of warrant, the
justice of the peace must attach it to the
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warrant that the justice of the peace
signed.
(6) A form of warrant completed by a water
and sewerage officer under
subsection (4) has the same force as a
warrant signed by the justice of the peace
under subsection (2).
56ZP. Recreational use of public water supplies
For the purposes of Part IIIA of the
Waterworks Clauses Act 1952, a
Corporation is taken to be an undertaker
within the meaning of that Act and, in the
application of that Part to a Corporation,
any reference in that Part to a water
storage area is taken to be a reference to
land that is used for the storage of water
for supply to the public for domestic
purposes and any land appurtenant to any
such storage area.
56ZQ. Land information request
(1) A person may apply in writing to a
regulated entity for a certificate in
respect of information concerning water
and sewerage relating to land specified
and clearly identified in the application.
(2) The regulated entity, on receipt of an
application made in accordance with
subsection (1), is to issue a certificate in
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the prescribed form with answers to
prescribed questions that are attached to
the certificate.
(3) A certificate under subsection (2) relates
only to information that the regulated
entity has on record as at the date of issue
of the certificate.
(4) The person referred to in subsection (1)
is to pay to the regulated entity the
prescribed fee on or before the issue of
the certificate.
(5) A regulated entity, on request, may
provide in or with the certificate any
other information or document relating to
the land that the regulated entity
considers relevant.
(6) A regulated entity does not incur any
liability in respect of any information
provided in good faith from sources
external to the regulated entity.
(7) A person, with the consent of the
occupier or owner of specified land, may
request in writing to a regulated entity
that an inspection be carried out of that
land to obtain supplementary water
infrastructure or sewerage infrastructure
information relevant to that land.
(8) If a regulated entity agrees to a request
under subsection (5) or (7), the regulated
entity may impose any reasonable
charges for costs incurred.
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(9) In this section
"land" includes
(a) any buildings and other structures
erected on the land; and
(b) land covered with water; and
(c) water covering land; and
(d) any estate, interest, easement,
privilege or right in or over land.
56ZR. Distillery Creek discharge
The relevant regulated entity may
discharge the water for the cleaning out
of the filtration plant at Distillery Creek
into Distillery Creek below the Waverley
Woollen Mills, or into the North Esk
River, although that discharge may
contain flock or other impurities that are
the result of the filtration.
8. Section 65 amended (Price and service plan)
Section 65(3) of the Principal Act is amended as
follows:
(a) by omitting from paragraph (d) "service."
and substituting "service; and";
(b) by inserting the following paragraph after
paragraph (d):
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(e) any other matter required under
this Act.
9. Section 68A inserted
After section 68 of the Principal Act, the
following section is inserted in Division 5:
68A. Service charges
(1) A price and service plan submitted by a
regulated entity for approval under
section 65 must include
(a) a policy that sets out the
circumstances in which the
regulated entity will impose a
service charge in relation to
serviced land; and
(b) the amount of, or method of
determining the amount of, the
service charge, in relation to
water infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure or water services or
sewerage services.
(2) A regulated entity may determine that a
service charge applies in relation to water
services or sewerage services to land
referred to in subsection (1) if
(a) a water service or sewerage
service is provided through a
connection to a pipe or sewer that
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is not owned by the regulated
entity; or
(b) a water service or sewerage
service is available through a
regulated entity's water
infrastructure or sewerage
infrastructure but is not connected
to a water system or sewerage
system; or
(c) a water service or sewerage
service is provided other than
through a connection point.
(3) The owner of any land to which
(a) a service charge applies under a
price and service plan approved
by the Regulator under
section 65; and
(b) a service rate or service charge
applies under section 95 of the
Local Government Act 1993,
immediately before the
commencement of this Division
is liable for the payment of the service
charge.
(4) Subject to subsection (7), a regulated
entity may not charge a service charge
under this section, unless notice is
(a) served on the owner of the land;
and
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(b) published in a newspaper
circulating generally in the area
in which the land is situated.
(5) A regulated entity must cause a copy of
the notice under subsection (4) to be
available for inspection at its offices and
on its website.
(6) A notice under subsection (4) must
(a) define the locality to which it
applies; and
(b) specify the services available; and
(c) generally identify the land to
which the services are available;
and
(d) fix a date on and from which the
service charge will be payable,
being a date not less than 3
months from the date of the
notice.
(7) A regulated entity may, without written
notice, charge a service charge in respect
of land that was the subject of a service
rate or service charge under section 95 of
the Local Government Act 1993,
immediately before the commencement
of this Division, in the same amount and
on the same terms and conditions that
applied immediately before the
commencement of this Division or as
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otherwise adjusted by an interim price
order made under section 88.
(8) A service charge specified in
subsection (7) applies until a price and
service plan is approved by the Regulator
under section 65.
10. Section 70 amended (State of the industry report)
Section 70(4) of the Principal Act is amended by
omitting "Director of Environmental
Management" and substituting "Director,
Environment Protection Authority".
11. Section 88 amended (Interim price order)
Section 88 of the Principal Act is amended by
omitting subsection (1) and substituting the
following subsection:
(1) The Treasurer may, by notice published
in the Gazette and in daily newspapers
published and circulating in Tasmania,
make an interim order in relation to
(a) the prices, terms and conditions
for the provision of a regulated
service; and
(b) the service standards, terms and
conditions for the provision of a
regulated service.
Government Printer, Tasmania 67