Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The topics covered in the this units are:

• the common law and water: main principles
• constitutional framework for water management
• australian statutory water law regimes and The COAG National Water Reforms
• institutional framework for water providers and resource managers
• access to and management of water resources
• individual and community rights to water
• liability issues arising out of water resource management
• the Murray Darling Basin Agreement 1992 and the management of the Murray River and its tributaries
• legal and regulatory issues regarding water trading regimes
• legal and regulatory issues regarding maintaining water quality
• the blue covenant: global water issues and the law (an introduction).

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• understand australian statutory water management regime
• understand common law position and law reform proposals
• understand history and legal framework for Murray Darling Basin Agreement 1992
• understand legal issues involving water trading, water quality and associated rights and responsibilities relating to water use in Australia
• understand regulatory framework for Victorian water industry under Water Industry Act 1994
• understand the National Water Initiative (NWI) and COAG National Water Reforms
• describe the emerging international law position including i.e. U.N. agencies monitoring water resources and treaties impacting water quality and use.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Contact hours

39 contact hours