(1)  This section applies to an application for a licence –

(a) where there is no water management plan for the water resource from which a water allocation of the licence is proposed to be taken; or

(b) where a relevant water management plan does not provide for the allocation of water under section 14(3)(a) ; or

(c) where the relevant water management plan requires that the application be advertised –

but does not apply to an application where the proposed water allocation is a water allocation of another licence.

(2)  The Minister must give notice of the application in a local newspaper and the notice is to –

(a) include details of the application, the relevant water resource, each proposed allocation, the purpose for which each proposed allocation will be used and such other information as the Minister may determine; and

(b) invite written representations from any person who may be affected by the application; and

(c) state a period of at least 14 days from the publication of the notice during which representations may be made and the address to which they are to be sent.

(3)  However, the Minister, in his or her discretion, need not comply with subsection (2) if satisfied that –

(a) the water allocation to which the proposed licence relates would be solely for stock or domestic use, or a combination of those uses; and

(b) the maximum daily quantity of water taken under the proposed licence would be less than 0.01 megalitres; and

(c) the taking of the water allocation would not have a significant effect on other users of water or the environment.