Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

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:

1. understand Australian statutory water management regime
2. understand common law position and law reform proposals
3. understand history and legal framework for Murray Darling Basin Agreement 1992
4. understand legal issues involving water trading, water quality and associated rights and responsibilities relating to water use in Australia
5. understand regulatory framework for Victorian water industry under Water Industry Act 1994
6. understand the National Water Initiative (NWI) and COAG National Water Reforms
7. 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

3 hours per week