Environmental Protection Act 1994Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019Part 1Preliminary1Short titleThis policy may be cited as the Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019.2CommencementThis regulation commences on 1 September 2019.3DefinitionsThe dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this policy.Part 2Application and purpose of policy4Application of policyThis policy applies to waters and wetlands.5Purpose(1)The purpose of this policy is to achieve the object of the Act in relation to waters and wetlands.Note—See section 3 of the Act.(2)The purpose is achieved by—

(a)identifying environmental values for waters and wetlands to be enhanced or protected; and

(b)identifying management goals for waters; and

(c)stating water quality guidelines and water quality objectives for enhancing or protecting the environmental values for waters; and

(d)providing a framework for making consistent, equitable and informed decisions about waters; and

(e)monitoring and reporting on the condition of waters.

s 5 amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 3Part 3Basic concepts6Environmental values for waters(1)The environmental values for waters to be enhanced or protected under this policy are—

(a)for water mentioned in schedule 1, column 1—the environmental values stated in the document opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2; or

(b)for other water—the environmental values stated in subsection (2).

(2)For subsection (1)(b), the environmental values are—

(a)for high ecological value waters—the biological integrity of an aquatic ecosystem that is effectively unmodified or highly valued; orExample of a highly valued aquatic ecosystem—an aquatic ecosystem used for drinking water

(b)for slightly disturbed waters—the biological integrity of an aquatic ecosystem that has effectively unmodified biological indicators, but slightly modified physical, chemical or other indicators; or

(c)for moderately disturbed waters—the biological integrity of an aquatic ecosystem that is adversely affected by human activity to a relatively small but measurable degree; or

(d)for highly disturbed waters—the biological integrity of an aquatic ecosystem that is measurably degraded and of lower ecological value than waters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c); or

(e)for waters that may be used to produce, or from which may be taken, aquatic foods for human consumption—the suitability of the water for—

(i)producing aquatic foods that are safe and suitable for human consumption; and

(ii)having aquatic foods that are safe and suitable for human consumption taken from the water; or

(f)for waters that may be used for aquaculture—the suitability of the water for aquacultural use; or

(g)for waters that may be used for agricultural purposes—the suitability of the water for agricultural purposes; or

(h)for waters that may be used for recreation or aesthetic purposes—the suitability of the water for—

(i)primary recreational use; or

(ii)secondary recreational use; or

(iii)visual recreational use; or

(i)for waters that may be used for drinking water—the suitability of the water for supply as drinking water having regard to the level of treatment of the water; or

(j)for waters that may be used for industrial purposes—the suitability of the water for industrial use; or

(k)the cultural and spiritual values of the water.

(3)In this section—aquatic foods includes the following in an aquatic ecosystem—

(a)fish, shellfish and other animals;

(b)plants.

cultural and spiritual values, of water, means its scientific, social or other significance to the present generation or past or future generations, including Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders.primary recreational use, of water, means a use that involves the following types of contact with the water—

(a)full body contact;

(b)frequent immersion by the face and trunk;

(c)frequent contact with spray by the face where it is likely some water will be swallowed or inhaled, or come into contact with ears, nasal passages, mucous membranes or cuts in the skin.

Examples—diving, swimming, surfingsecondary recreational use, of water, means a use that involves the following types of contact with the water—

(a)contact in which only the limbs are regularly wet, and other contact, including the swallowing of water, is unusual;Examples—boating, fishing, wading

(b)occasional inadvertent immersion resulting from slipping or being swept into the water by a wave.

visual recreational use, of water, means a use that does not ordinarily involve any contact with the water.Examples—angling from the shore, sunbathing near water s 6 amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 47Environmental values for wetlands(1)The environmental values for wetlands to be enhanced or protected under this policy are the qualities of a wetland that support and maintain the biodiversity of the wetland, including the following—

(a)the health of the wetland’s ecosystems;

(b)the wetland’s natural state and biological integrity;

(c)the presence of distinct or unique features, endemic plants or animals and their habitats, including threatened wildlife and near threatened wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act 1992;

(d)the wetland’s natural hydrological cycle;

(e)the natural interaction of the wetland with other ecosystems, including other wetlands.

(2)In this section—biodiversity means natural diversity of living organisms, together with the environmental conditions and processes necessary for their survival, and includes each of the following—

(a)ecosystem diversity, that is, the diversity of the different types of communities formed by living organisms and the relations between them;

(b)species diversity, that is, the diversity of species;

(c)genetic diversity, that is, the diversity of genes within each species.

8Indicators and water quality guidelines for environmental values for waters(1)An indicator for an environmental value for water is a physical, chemical, biological or other property that can be measured or decided in a quantitative way.Examples—

1The concentration of nutrients and pH value are types of chemical indicators.

2Secchi disc clarity and temperature are types of physical indicators.

3Seagrass depth range, macroinvertebrate family richness and percentage of exotic fish are types of biological indicators.

(2)Water quality guidelines are quantitative measures or statements for indicators, including, for example, the concentration or load of a contaminant of water, that protect a stated environmental value.(3)For particular water, the indicators and water quality guidelines for an environmental value are decided using the following documents—

(a)site-specific documents for the water;

(b)the document called ‘Queensland water quality guidelines 2009’, published on the department’s website;

(c)the document called ‘Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality’, published by the Commonwealth;

(d)the document called ‘PFAS national environmental management plan’, published by the Commonwealth;

(e)the document called ‘Australian drinking water guidelines 6’, published on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s website;

(f)the document called ‘Guidelines for managing risks in recreational water’, published on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s website;

(g)the document called ‘Guidance on per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in recreational water’, published on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s website;

(h)other relevant documents published by a recognised entity.

(4)Also, for water mentioned in schedule 1, column 1, the indicators for an environmental value include the indicators stated in the document opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2.(5)To the extent of any inconsistency between the documents mentioned in subsection (3) for a particular water quality guideline, the documents are to be used in the order in which they are listed in that subsection.(6)In this section—load, of a contaminant of water, means the mass of the contaminant in the water measured over a period of time. site-specific document, for water, means a document that—

(a)contains specific information about the water, or part of the water; and

(b)is recognised by the chief executive as having appropriate scientific authority.

s 8 amd 2020 SL No. 243 s 3; 2022 SL No. 125 s 59When environmental values for waters are protectedFor this policy, the environmental values for particular waters are protected if the measures for all indicators comply with the water quality guidelines stated for the indicators.s 9 amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 6Part 4Management goals and water quality objectives for waters10Management goals for watersThe management goals for waters mentioned in schedule 1, column 1 are the goals, if any, stated in the document opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2.Examples of management goals—

•to maintain an area, composition and condition of seagrass beds, reefs or mangroves

•to maintain a stated level of diversity of fish species

11Water quality objectives for waters(1)This section and schedule 1 state the water quality objectives for waters to be achieved and maintained under this policy.(2)Subject to subsection (4), the water quality objectives for water mentioned in schedule 1, column 1 are the objectives stated in the document opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2.(3)Subsection (4) applies if, for water mentioned in schedule 1, column 1—

(a)an indicator and water quality guideline are decided for an environmental value for the water under section 8(3); and

(b)the indicator, and a water quality objective for the indicator, are not stated in the document opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2.

(4)The water quality guideline is also a water quality objective for the indicator for the water.(5)The water quality objectives for water not mentioned in schedule 1, column 1 are the set of water quality guidelines for all indicators that will protect all environmental values for the water.(6)Without limiting subsection (5), the water quality objectives for Great Barrier Reef catchment waters also includes the objectives stated in the document called ‘Great Barrier Reef River Basins End of Basin Load Water Quality Objectives’, dated September 2019.Note—The document is available on the department’s website.(7)However, water quality objectives do not apply to—

(a)water in swimming pools; and

(b)drinking water in a domestic water supply system, including, for example, water in a local government or privately owned water supply system; and

(c)waste water in a storage, including, for example, a sewage lagoon, mine tailings dam, irrigation tailwater dam and piggery or dairy waste water pond; and

(d)water in a pond used for aquaculture; and

(e)water in a stormwater treatment system; and

(f)water in a device used for erosion and sediment control, including, for example, water in a sediment basin or sediment tank; and

(g)water in a privately owned dam, irrigation channel, pipeline or water tank.

(8)In this section—stormwater treatment system means a system used for managing stormwater quality, quantity and flows.s 11 amd 2019 SL No. 234 s 21; 2020 Act No. 26 s 118 sch 1; 2022 SL No. 125 s 712Identifying environmental values etc. for waters(1)This section applies to water not mentioned in schedule 1, column 1.(2)For developing a document about particular water that is to be included in schedule 1, the chief executive may identify—

(a)the environmental values to be protected for the water; and

(b)the water quality objectives for the water; and

(c)ways to improve the quality of the water.

(3)In identifying the matters mentioned in subsection (2), the chief executive must ensure there has been—

(a)consultation with the community, including industry and commerce sectors; and

(b)consideration of the economic and social impacts of protecting environmental values for the water.

(4)Also, the chief executive may identify water quality objectives for the water that provide a lower level of protection of the environmental values for the water than the water quality guidelines mentioned in section 11(4) only if—

(a)the adoption of the water quality guidelines would involve unacceptable economic or social impacts on the community; and

(b)the water quality objectives are an improvement on existing water quality.

s 12 amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 813Amending waters in sch 1(1)The chief executive may replace a document stated in schedule 1, column 2 for particular water only if—

(a)there has been consultation with the community, including industry and commerce sectors; and

(b)the chief executive has considered the economic and social impacts of protecting environmental values for the water.

(2)However, subsection (1) does not apply to a replacement document if—

(a)the purpose of the replacement is only to correct a minor error, or make another change that is not a change of substance; or

(b)the document being replaced states that an amendment of a stated type may be made to the document under this subsection, and the purpose of the replacement is only to make an amendment of the stated type.

Part 5Management of activities14Management hierarchy for surface or groundwater(1)This section states the management hierarchy for an activity that may affect water.Note—See the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019, section 35.(2)To the extent it is reasonable to do so, release of waste water or contaminants to waters must be dealt with in the following order of preference—

(a)firstly—reduce the production of waste water or contaminants by reducing the use of water;

(b)secondly—prevent waste and implement appropriate waste prevention measures;

(c)thirdly—evaluate treatment and recycling options and implement appropriate treatment and recycling;

(d)fourthly—evaluate the following options for waste water or contaminants in the order in which they are listed—

(i)appropriate treatment and release to a waste facility or sewer;

(ii)appropriate treatment and release to land;

(iii)appropriate treatment and release to surface waters or groundwaters.

(3)In this section—appropriate treatment, of waste water or contaminants, means—

(a)for release to a sewerage service provider’s waste facility or sewer—treatment that meets the service provider’s requirements for the release to the waste facility or sewer; or

(b)for release to land—treatment that ensures the release to land is ecologically sustainable; or

(c)for release to surface waters or groundwaters—treatment that ensures, or the taking of other steps to ensure, that the release—

(i)will not affect the environmental values for the waters; or

(ii)is offset by undertaking an activity to counterbalance the impacts of releasing waste water or contaminants to waters, other than an offset to which the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 applies.

sewerage service provider see the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, schedule 3.waste facility means a facility for the recycling, reprocessing, treatment, storage, incineration, conversion to energy or disposal of waste.waste prevention means the adoption of practices or processes that avoid generating waste or reduce the quantity of waste requiring subsequent treatment, recycling or disposal.15Management intent for waters(1)This section states the management intent for waters subject to an activity that involves the release of waste water or contaminants to the waters.(2)It is the management intent for the waters that the decision to release the waste water or contaminant must ensure the following—

(a)for high ecological value waters—the measures for the indicators for all environmental values for waters are maintained;

(b)for slightly disturbed waters—the measures for the slightly modified physical or chemical indicators are progressively improved to achieve the water quality objectives for high ecological value water;

(c)for moderately disturbed waters—

(i)if the measures for the indicators for all environmental values achieve the water quality objectives for the water—the measures for the indicators are maintained at levels that achieve the water quality objectives for the water; or

(ii)if the measures for the indicators for all environmental values do not achieve the water quality objectives for the water—the measures for the indicators are improved to achieve the water quality objectives for the water;

(d)for highly disturbed waters—the measures for the indicators for all environmental values are progressively improved to achieve the water quality objectives for the water.

s 15 amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 9Part 6Healthy waters management plans16Healthy waters management plans(1)The chief executive may develop and implement an environmental plan about water (a healthy waters management plan) to decide ways to improve the quality of the water.(2)Also, a recognised entity, in cooperation with the chief executive, may develop and implement a healthy waters management plan.(3)A healthy waters management plan for water must—

(a)describe the water to which the plan applies; and

(b)include an assessment of the following for the water—

(i)any threats to water-dependent ecosystems;

(ii)any matters that may adversely affect the use of the water as a supply of drinking water;

(iii)any matters that may adversely affect the natural flows of the water; and

(c)if environmental values and water quality objectives for the water are stated in a document mentioned in schedule 1, column 2—include the environmental values and water quality objectives; and

(d)if environmental values and water quality objectives have not been established for the water—include proposed environmental values, management goals and water quality guidelines for the water; and

(e)if a water plan under the Water Act 2000 applies to the water—include the environmental flow objectives for the plan and ecological outcomes stated in the plan for the water; and

(f)identify ways to protect the environmental values for the water, and to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the protection.

(4)In developing and implementing the plan, the chief executive or entity must have regard to any guidelines published by the department about healthy waters management plans.Part 7Functions of chief executive17Community awareness and involvement(1)This section applies if the chief executive decides to develop and implement a plan to—

(a)raise community awareness of issues about water quality; and

(b)involve the community in water quality management.

(2)The chief executive must consider including in the plan—

(a)a description of the issues about water quality; and

(b)ways to raise community awareness and understanding about water quality policy, planning and management; and

(c)ways to improve levels of community consultation in relation to water quality management, including consultation carried out under this policy; and

(d)ways to better inform the community of issues about water quality management.

18Ambient monitoring(1)If the chief executive carries out a program of ambient monitoring of waters to assess the state of waters, the chief executive must—

(a)carry out the monitoring under—

(i)the document called ‘Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2018’, published on the department’s website; and

(ii)the ‘Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality’, published in 2018; and

(b)publish the results of the monitoring on the department’s website; and

(c)prepare a report about the results of the monitoring.

(2)To the extent of any inconsistency between the documents mentioned in subsection (1)(a), the document mentioned in subsection (1)(a)(i) prevails.(3)If practicable, a comparison of ambient monitoring results with the water quality objectives for, and freshwater flows to, the water during the time of the monitoring must be included in the report.(4)Subsection (5) applies if the measure of an indicator does not comply with a water quality objective because the noncompliance is caused by the natural properties of the water.(5)For preparing the report, the measure of the indicator is taken to comply with the water quality objective if, at the time the indicator is measured, the measure of the indicator is within the natural background level, as determined under the monitoring program, for the indicator.(6)If the results of monitoring show the water quality objectives for the water have not been met, the chief executive may investigate the reasons why the water fails to meet the water quality objectives.(7)In this section—ambient monitoring, of water, includes assessing, analysing, examining, inspecting, measuring or reporting on the following—

(a)the quantity, quality and characteristics of water;

(b)the effectiveness of control, remedial or rehabilitation measures on the matters mentioned in paragraph (a).

s 18 amd 2020 SL No. 243 s 419Amendment of Map of Queensland wetland environmental values(1)The chief executive may amend the Map of Queensland wetland environmental values only if the amendment is made because—

(a)more accurate information indicating the extent, hydrological type or ecological significance of the wetland has become available; or

(b)the chief executive considers that the ecological significance of a wetland has changed.

(2)If the chief executive amends the map under subsection (1), the chief executive must—

(a)fix a new edition number to the amended map; and

(b)publish the amended map on the department’s website.

Part 8Miscellaneous20Operation of sch 1The boundaries of water mentioned in schedule 1, column 1 are the boundaries identified in the document stated opposite the water in schedule 1, column 2.Editor’s note—The documents mentioned in schedule 1 are published on the department’s website.Part 9Repeal and transitional provisionspt 9 hdg amd 2019 SL No. 234 s 22Division 1Repealpt 9 div 1 hdg ins 2019 SL No. 234 s 2321RepealThe Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, SL No. 178 is repealed.Division 2Transitional provision for Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2019pt 9 div 2 hdg ins 2019 SL No. 234 s 2422Application of s 11 during transitional period(1)Section 11(4) does not apply in relation to an environmental management decision made during the transitional period.(2)In this section—environmental management decision see the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019, section 32.transitional period means the period that starts on the commencement and ends 1 year after the commencement.s 22 ins 2019 SL No. 234 s 24Schedule 1Environmental values and water quality objectives for waterssections 6(1)(a), 8(4), 10 and 11Column 1WaterColumn 2DocumentNameDescriptionBurdekin, Don and Haughton regionBurdekin, Don and Haughton River basins, including all groundwaters of the basinsbasins 119, 120 and 121Burdekin, Don and Haughton River Basins Groundwater Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Burdekin River (lower) sub-basin, including all surface waters of the sub-basin downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam, including—•Bowen River and Broken River sub-basin•Burdekin River (lower) and Bogie River sub-basin•adjacent coastal waterspart of basin 120 and adjacent to basin 120Burdekin River (lower) and Bowen River Sub-Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Burdekin River (upper) sub-basin, including all surface waters of the sub-basin downstream to, and including, Burdekin Falls Dampart of basin 120Burdekin River (upper) Sub- Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Don River basin, including the Elliott River and all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 121 and adjacent to basin 121Don River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Haughton River basin, including the Reid River, Barratta Creek and Major Creek and all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 119 and adjacent to basin 119Haughton River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Suttor River sub-basin, including the Belyando River and Cape Campaspe River and all surface waters of the sub-basin downstream to, and including, the Burdekin Falls Dampart of basin 120Suttor River Sub-Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Burnett, Mary and Great Sandy regionsBurrum, Gregory, Isis, Cherwell and Elliott rivers, including all Hervey Bay coastal rivers and creeksbasin 137Burrum, Gregory, Isis, Cherwell and Elliott Rivers Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010Fraser Island watersbasin 139Fraser Island Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010Great Sandy Strait and coastal creekspart of basin 140 and adjacent to basins 137, 138 and 139Great Sandy Strait and Coastal Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010Hervey Bayadjacent to basins 137 and 139Hervey Bay Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010Mary River, including all tributaries of the riverbasin 138Mary River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010Capricorn, Curtis Coast and Gladstone regionsBoyne River basin, including all waters of the basinbasin 133Curtis Island, Calliope River and Boyne River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Calliope River basin, including all waters of the basin, the Fitzroy delta, waters of Balaclava Island, the Narrows, Port Curtis, Gladstone Harbour and adjacent coastal watersbasin 132 and adjacent to basin 132Curtis Island, Calliope River and Boyne River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Curtis Island basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 131Curtis Island, Calliope River and Boyne River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Shoalwater Creek basin, including all waters of the basin, Shoalwater Bay and adjacent coastal watersbasin 128 and adjacent to basin 128Styx River, Shoalwater Creek and Waterpark Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Styx River basin, including all waters of the basin, Broad Sound and adjacent coastal watersbasin 127 and adjacent to basin 127Styx River, Shoalwater Creek and Water Park Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Water Park Creek basin, including all waters of the basin, Keppel Bay and adjacent coastal watersbasin 129 and adjacent to basin 129Styx River, Shoalwater Creek and Water Park Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in November 2014Eastern Cape York regionEndeavour River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 107 and adjacent to basin 107Jeannie and Endeavour River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Jacky Jacky Creek basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 101 and adjacent to basin 101Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive-Pascoe, Lockhart and Stewart River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Jeannie River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 106 and adjacent to basin 106Jeannie and Endeavour River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Lockhart River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 103 and adjacent to basin 103Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive-Pascoe, Lockhart and Stewart River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Normanby River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 105 and adjacent to basin 105Normanby River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Olive-Pascoe River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 102 and adjacent to basin 102Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive-Pascoe, Lockhart and Stewart River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Stewart River basin, including all surface waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 104 and adjacent to basin 104Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive-Pascoe, Lockhart and Stewart River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Fitzroy regionCallide Creek, including all waters of the Callide Creek catchment within the Dawson River sub-basinpart of basin 130Callide Creek Catchment Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Comet River, including all waters of the Comet River sub-basinpart of basin 130Comet River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Dawson River, including all waters of the Dawson River sub-basin other than the Callide Creek catchmentpart of basin 130Dawson River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Fitzroy River, including all waters of the Fitzroy River sub-basinpart of basin 130Fitzroy River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Isaac River, including all waters of the Isaac River sub-basinpart of basin 130Isaac River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Mackenzie River, including all waters of the Mackenzie River sub-basinpart of basin 130Mackenzie River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Nogoa River, including all waters of the Nogoa River sub-basinpart of basin 130Nogoa River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011Mackay and Whitsundays regionsO’Connell River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 124Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O’Connell River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Pioneer River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 125Pioneer River and Plane Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Plane Creek basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 126Pioneer River and Plane Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Proserpine River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 122Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O’Connell River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Whitsunday Island basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 123Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O’Connell River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Mitchell regionMitchell River basin (part) and Walsh River sub-basinpart of basin 919Mitchell River Basin (part) and Walsh River sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Queensland Murray-Darling and Bulloo regionBorder Rivers basin, including all surface waters of the basinbasin 416Queensland Border Rivers and Moonie River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Bulloo River basin, including all surface waters of the basinbasin 011Warrego, Paroo and Bulloo Rivers and Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam Creeks Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Condamine River basin, including all surface waters of the basinpart of basin 422Condamine River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Maranoa-Balonne Rivers basin, including all surface waters of the basinpart of basin 422Maranoa-Balonne Rivers Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Moonie River basin, including all surface waters of the basinbasin 417Queensland Border Rivers and Moonie River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam Creeks basin, including all surface waters of the basinpart of basin 422Warrego, Paroo and Bulloo Rivers and Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam Creeks Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Paroo River basin, including all surface waters of the basinbasin 424Warrego, Paroo and Bulloo Rivers and Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam Creeks Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Queensland Murray-Darling basin and Bulloo River basin, including all groundwaters of the Border River basin, the Bulloo River basin, the Condamine River basin, the Maranoa-Balonne River basin, the Moonie River basin, the Paroo River basin, the Warrego River basin and Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam creeks basinbasins 011, 416, 417, 422, 423 and 424Queensland Murray-Darling and Bulloo River Basins Groundwater Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Warrego River basin, including all surface waters of the basinbasin 423Warrego, Paroo and Bulloo Rivers and Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam Creeks Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020South East Queensland regionAlbert River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 145Albert River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Bremer River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 143Bremer River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Brisbane creeks—Bramble Bay, including Bald Hills, Cabbage Tree, Downfall, Kedron Brook, Nudgee and Nundah creekspart of basin 142Brisbane Creeks—Bramble Bay Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Brisbane River, including all tributaries of the Brisbane River other than Bremer River, Lockyer Creek, Oxley Creek and Stanley Riverpart of basin 143Brisbane River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Broadwater, including—•Biggera and Loders creeks•the Broadwater and all creeks of the Broadwater catchment•Runaway Baypart of basin 146Broadwater Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Caboolture River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 142Caboolture River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Coomera River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 146Coomera River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Currumbin and Tallebudgera creeks and Pacific Beaches, including—•all tributaries of Currumbin and Tallebudgera creeks•all creeks of the Pacific Beaches catchmentpart of basin 146Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Lockyer Creek, including all tributaries of the creekpart of basin 143Lockyer Creek Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Logan River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 145Logan River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Maroochy River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 141Maroochy River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Mooloolah River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 141Mooloolah River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Moreton Baybasin 144 and adjacent to basins 141 to 143, 145 and 146Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke, South Stradbroke, Moreton and Moreton Bay Islands Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Nerang River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 146Nerang River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Noosa River, including—•Kin Kin creek•Teewah coastal creeks•lakes Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Doonella and Weybapart of basin 140Noosa River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Oxley Creek, including all tributaries of the creekpart of basin 143Oxley Creek Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Pimpama River, including—•Behm and McCoys creeks•southern Moreton Bay coastal creekspart of basin 146Pimpama River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Pine rivers and Redcliffe creeks, including—•Hays Inlet•all tributaries of the North Pine and South Pine riverspart of basin 142Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Pumicestone Passage, including—•waters of Bribie Island•Bells, Coochin, Dux, Elimbah, Mellum, Ningi and Tibrogargan creekspart of basin 141Pumicestone Passage Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Redland creeks, including Coolnwynpin, Eprapah, Hilliards, Lota, Moogurrapum, Tarradarrapin, Tingalpa and Wynnum creekspart of basin 145Redland Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Sandy, Six Mile, Wolston, Woogaroo and Goodna creeks, including all tributaries of the creekspart of basin 143Sandy, Six Mile, Wolston, Woogaroo and Goodna Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Stanley River, including all tributaries of the riverpart of basin 143Stanley River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in June 2022Townsville regionBlack River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 117Black River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013Ross River basin, including all waters of the basin, Magnetic Island and adjacent coastal watersbasin 118Ross River Basin and Magnetic Island Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013Wet Tropics regionBarron River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 110 and adjacent to basin 110Barron River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Daintree River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 108 and adjacent to basin 108Daintree and Mossman River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Herbert River basin, including all waters of the basin, Port of Lucinda and adjacent coastal watersbasin 116 and adjacent to basin 116Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Hinchinbrook Island basin, including all waters of the basin, Port Hinchinbrook and adjacent coastal watersbasin 115 and adjacent to basin 115Tully River, Murray River and Hinchinbrook Island Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Johnstone River basin, including all waters of the basin, Port of Mourilyan and adjacent coastal watersbasin 112 and adjacent to basin 112Johnstone River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Mossman River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 109 and adjacent to basin 109Daintree and Mossman River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Mulgrave River, including all waters of the Mulgrave River sub-basin, Trinity Inlet and adjacent coastal watersbasin 111 and adjacent to basin 111Mulgrave-Russell River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Murray River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 114 and adjacent to basin 114Tully River, Murray River and Hinchinbrook Island Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Russell River, including all waters of the Russell River sub-basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 111 and adjacent to basin 111Mulgrave-Russell River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Tully River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal watersbasin 113 and adjacent to basin 113Tully River, Murray River and Hinchinbrook Island Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in October 2020Editor’s note—A copy of each plan may be inspected on the department’s website.sch 1 amd 2020 SL No. 243 s 5; 2022 SL No. 125 s 10Schedule 2Dictionarysection 3aquatic ecosystem means a community of organisms living within or adjacent to water, including riparian or foreshore areas.basin, followed by a number, means the river basin of that number described in ‘Australia’s River Basins 1997’, 3rd edition, made by Geoscience Australia, Commonwealth of Australia, in 2004.Editor’s note—The map is available on the department’s website.biological integrity, for water or a wetland, means the ability of the water or wetland to support and maintain a balanced, integrative, adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity and functional organisation comparable to that of the natural habitat of the locality in which the water or wetland is situated.Examples of biological integrity of water or a wetland—

•the intrinsic value of an aquatic ecosystem that is effectively unmodified or highly valued

•its ability to support associated wildlife

•its ability to produce food for human consumption

contaminated stormwater means stormwater that contains a contaminant.environmental values—

(a)for water—means the environmental values mentioned in section 6; or

(b)for wetlands—means the environmental values mentioned in section 7.

groundwater means water that occurs naturally in, or is introduced artificially into, an aquifer.healthy waters management plan see section 16(1).high ecological value waters means waters in which the biological integrity of the water is effectively unmodified or highly valued.highly disturbed waters means waters that are significantly degraded by human activity and have lower ecological value than high ecological value waters or slightly or moderately disturbed waters.indicator see section 8(1).Map of Queensland wetland environmental values means the document called ‘Map of Queensland wetlands environmental values’, made by the chief executive and published on the department’s website.moderately disturbed waters means waters in which the biological integrity of the water is adversely affected by human activity to a relatively small but measurable degree.Queensland regional NRM body means a Queensland regional natural resource management body under either—

(a)the Commonwealth program known as the ‘National Landcare Program’; or

(b)the Queensland program known as the ‘Natural Resources Investment Program’.

recognised entity means—

(a)a local government; or

(b)a public sector unit; or

(c)an agency of the Commonwealth, another State or a foreign country, however called, with similar functions to the functions of the chief executive under this policy; or

(d)a ministerial council, of which a Minister is a member of the council, established by the National Federation Reform Council; or

(e)the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; or

(f)a research centre completely or partly funded by the Queensland or the Commonwealth; or

(g)an Australian university; or

(h)a Queensland regional NRM body.

sch 2 def recognised entity amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 11(1)recycling, of waste water, means—

(a)re-using the waste water in the process that generated it; or

(b)reprocessing the waste water to develop a new product; or

(c)using the waste water, whether on or off the site where it is generated.

slightly disturbed waters means waters that have the biological integrity of high ecological value waters with slightly modified physical or chemical indicators but effectively unmodified biological indicators.surface waters means waters other than groundwaters.waste water means aqueous waste, and includes contaminated stormwater.water quality guidelines see section 8(2).water quality objectives, for water, are the objectives for an indicator identified under section 11 for protecting the environmental values for the water.sch 2 def water quality objectives amd 2022 SL No. 125 s 11(2)waters—

(a)includes the bed and banks of waters; and

(b)without limiting the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, schedule 1, definition Queensland waters, includes—

(i)surface water; and

(ii)groundwater.

wetland means an area shown as a wetland on the Map of Queensland wetland environmental values.